‘Prince of Pako’ returns for Tigers in T20 Cup
GROVEDALE will regain a familiar face when it bids for a second-straight win in tonight’s Geelong Advertiser T20 Cup.
Champion all-rounder Glen Talarico will make a surprise return for the Tigers, lining up against Bell Post Hill in Round 2 of the tournament.
Talarico, who has been forced out of cricket due to work commitments, has signalled his intent to play more regular midweek cricket.
The multiple GCA1 premiership playing hasn’t shut the door on a comeback in the longer formats either, according to Grovedale coach Bryan Thomas.
“He did say that there’s a chance he could play once his roster gets worked out after Christmas, but that’s still a 50-50,” Thomas said.
Geelong quick Jake Reed, who helped convince Talarico to suit up for the Tigers in the T20s, is a late out due to state commitments.
“They want him to bowl at Victorian training, which is fair enough,” Thomas said.
“He texted me on Sunday morning saying ‘I’m in’, but then he found out that they wanted him to bowl at training. We’ve got no problem with that, but it would’ve been good to have both of them.”
Grovedale skipper Barry Tsitas will sit out of the clash against the Panthers due to soreness, while Josh Jackson will make his first XI debut.
“Lachlan Hornibrook has played the last two games in the ones and we’re going to give Josh Jackson a run as well,” Thomas said.
Thomas said Talarico will enter the match having not hit a ball since last year’s semifinal.
“The Prince of Pako doesn’t need one, he’s a natural cricketer,” Thomas said.
“He’ll be right. He’s that keen to play. He’s been texting Reedy and he’s that eager to get back it’s not funny.
“He’s in love with Grovedale. I know he’s Geelong West through and through, but he spent two or three years at Grovedale and fell in love with the place. He just wants to play.”
Grovedale secured a 22-run win over North Geelong in Round 1, while Bell Post Hill scored a seven-wicket victory over Geelong City.