Modda’s operandi sticks to spinning formula
IT was the tactic that led Modewarre all the way to a grand final berth in 2017-18 — the “spin to win” mantra led by spinner Nathan Saunders.
After redefining conventional logic and opening the bowling with his off-spin and taking an incredible 50 wickets at an average of nine, Saunders’s departure for this summer has left a hole in the Warriors’ attack.
It has been left to Saunders’ offsider Aaron Hovey, who claimed 39 wickets last season in the most potent partnership in the competition, to step out of the shadow and become the leader of the attack without his partner in crime.
“It’s a bit different this year without ‘Nippa’,” Hovey said this week. “It seems like I am (the leader of the attack) at the moment. There’s a bit more pressure on me now and on the team, but I like it.”
Opening the bowling with the left-arm spin of Saunders alongside Hovey, no matter which format of the game, proved to be a masterstroke from Modewarre captain Luke Davidson.
Yet despite the departure of Saunders, the Warriors skipper hasn’t strayed too far from the successful formula.
English import Jake Hooson was brought over not just because he was a dangerous top-order batsman, but also a left-arm spinner capable of filling the void left by Saunders.
Unsurprisingly, Hooson and seamer Hovey have shared the new ball in both of Modewarre’s bowling innings this season.
“He’s still getting the hang of conditions, Jake, but he’ll be right by the end of the year once he gets used to the pitches,” Hovey said of Hooson, who has an economy rate of just above two runs an over this season.
“The pitches over there (in England) are very green, and in the first AT (Alexander Thomson) game he said it was the best pitch he’s ever seen.”
Right-arm off-spinner Nat Matthews has also had success to start the season, taking four wickets in two matches and giving Davidson the luxury of being able to throw the ball around a versatile attack that also includes medium pacers Jackson O’Hanlon and Brendan Wemyss. All the bowlers will be in action today in the second day of their clash with St Albans-Breakwater.
“(Having) two spinners is good in this league,” Hovey said of his side’s preference for spin.
“I’d rather have two spinners than another medium pacer in the mix, and it gives us more options, especially with a left-arm spinner and a rightarm spinner.”
Hovey says he misses his mate Saunders after sharing 89 wickets together in a partnership that blew GCA3 away last season, and he still hasn’t given up hope of a return.