Keepers step in for Cats
New glovemen get their chance at Premier cricket
TWO of Geelong’s most promising glovemen will get a taste of Premier cricket as the Cats deal with the absence of Tim Ludeman and Josh McDonald.
Jack Rodgers will make his First XI debut against Monash Tigers today, while wicketkeeping prodigy Tom Jackson will be subbed into the game next week to cover for Ludeman and McDonald.
Ludeman is on tour with the Melbourne Renegades in Queensland, while McDonald will serve a one-match ban for misconduct stemming from last week’s loss to Fitzroy Doncaster.
McDonald was involved in a verbal exchange with Lions’ antagonist Peter Dickson, who escaped sanction.
“We’ve got a wicketkeeping issue,” admitted coach Andre Borovec, who is in Maroochydore with the Renegades ahead of this weekend’s double heading against Brisbane Heat.
“Josh is suspended and Ludey is away with us, so it’s left the club short. Tom Jackson is our regular second XI keeper, but he’s away with the Victorian under-19s.
“Tom’s available week two, so it means we’ll have two debutants. Jack will play week one and Tom will come back week two.”
McDonald would have been first in line to take the gloves in Ludeman’s absence, but after accepting a onematch penalty, he will be forced to watch from the sidelines.
It is understood he was involved in a heated argument with Dickson, with the umpire overhearing elements of the chat.
“He had a bit of a disagreement with an opposition player,” Borovec said. “It’s disappointing, but he’s moving on from it. We considered disputing it, but we weren’t prepared to take that risk.
“We do have some depth, but it’s being tested, with both Ludey and Tom playing higher honours.
“Tom will be back next week and he’ll be ready and raring to make his first XI debut. He’s got a week to prepare, which is great.
“For Jack, he’s a great Geelong clubman. He’s an extremely popular member of the group, and the positive to come out of it is he gets a First XI cap.
“He’s six or seven year player and he’s had to do it the hard way. It’s a nice little story.”
With Borovec assisting the Renegades, batting coach Liam Buchanan will fill the void.
Mitch Reid has also been recalled to the side and will open the batting, while Kieran Jamieson replaces Luke Guest.
Meanwhile, veteran Luke Muller, who recently celebrated his 300th match, will play his 200th First XI game for the Cats.