WELL DONE MATE
Shield debut beckons for Geelong run machine
VICTORIA’S newest Sheffield Shield recruit, Eamonn Vines, has the game to stand up at first-class level, coach Andrew McDonald declared.
As Vines edged closer to a dream Shield debut — he’s been named in the Bushrangers’ 12-man squad for the clash against NSW on Friday — McDonald said the classy Geelong left-hander had bashed the door down with sheer weight of runs.
“It’s hard to ignore someone who’s putting up those numbers,” McDonald said as he revealed Vines had been called into the squad with veterans Cameron White and Jon Holland and young all-rounder Matt Short.
“His club form has been outstanding, so we can’t ask any more and we have to reward that form.”
Vines was pulled from Victoria’s Futures League clash against Tasmania yesterday, less than 24 hours after blasting his fourth century of the summer, and will train with his Bushrangers teammates at the MCG this morning.
The Geelong skipper could line up beside Cats teammate Aaron Finch, who has been named as captain of the Bushrangers, with regular Peter Handscomb to tackle England at the Gabba tomorrow.
Maintaining the local flavour, Cats recruit and Melbourne Renegades wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Ludeman yesterday was drafted into Victoria’s Futures League team in place of Vines.
But Vines is not guaranteed to play against the Blues — McDonald said conditions at North Sydney Oval would play a big part in selection.
“We’re not sure yet,” McDonald said of the make-up of the squad.
“The XI will be decided when we get to Sydney. First things first, he’s in the 12, which is outstanding reward for his season so far. We cry out for guys to get big scores underneath and put on pressure and knock down the door and that’s precisely what he’s done. It’s great reward for him to be in the squad.”
Blasting 851 runs at 106.37 in eight knocks, Vines forced selectors to pay attention with consecutive hundreds in the second XI.
But McDonald said the South Barwon export had been on the radar for the past three years. “He got 900 runs in club cricket last year and there were a number of players who produced big runs,” McDonald said.
“That’s the first port of call. You need to put performances on the board and he’s done that for a long period of time.
“He had a shot at Futures League cricket last year and he didn’t quite nail it, but we always knew he was potentially going to be a good player for us and we gave him another opportunity at the start of this year.”
McDonald joined Hodge in watching Vines take the Tigers second XI apart on Monday, applauding his temperament and class at the top of the order.
“There’s been some good reports coming back,” McDonald said.
“Brad Hodge has been helping out with our Futures League and he speaks highly about the way he goes about it and I saw him first hand (on Monday).
“He accumulates runs and he’s got some good strengths. He drives well down the ground, he’s good off his pads and he has a nice cut shot and being a left-hander that’s a package as a first-class cricketer.
“It does highlight the fact that we are serious when we say we’ll reward good performances in Premier cricket.”
McDonald is confident Vines can replicate his form at the next level.
“It is another step up, but with every step he’s made, he’s come up to speed,” he said.
Geelong coach Andre Borovec said the club was delighted with Vines’ selection.
“It’s a great reward for sustained performance. What’s been really impressive from my perspective as coach, there’s been no time where he’s put himself before the team. That’s enabled him to continue to perform and it’s not always easy with all that external pressure. He certainly deserves his chance.”