Bryant can match Warner, says Bull
TEEN sensation Max Bryant has all the tools to become the next David Warner, according to reigning Queensland Bulls player of the year Michael Neser.
Having seen Bryant’s supreme talent up close as Gold Coast Dolphins teammates, Neser has not been surprised by the 18-year-old’s stellar start to his domestic cricket career.
Bryant is opening the batting for the Cricket Australia XI in the JLT Cup and is quickly making a name for himself. After being dismissed for one on debut last month, he hit 60 off 48 balls against Neser’s Bulls before yesterday sensationally smashing 89 off 61 against a high-profile NSW attack.
Gurinder Sandhu, Sean Abbott and Doug Bollinger – all of whom have represented Australia – were subject to the onslaught before Test offspinner Nathan Lyon had him caught behind.
Neser said Bryant is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball he has seen.
“To have the skill he has at that age is pretty impressive,” Neser told the Bulletin.
“He’s still a long way away from being the next David Warner but he definitely has the skillset where he can be the next David Warner.
“A lot of the things I see in him he does so naturally and I wish I could do the same.”
Among his key traits are his ability to hit straight down the ground and clear the fence, while showing no fear against the game’s big names.
“He knows one way and it doesn’t matter who is bowling to him, he is going to play the same brand of cricket which is good to see,” Neser said.
“A lot of players who do well in club cricket, they come play first-class cricket and they kind of go into their shell … he doesn’t do that.”
Bryant has consistently proven his dynamic ability with innings such as 134 off 92 for the Dolphins three weeks ago and a brutal 140 off 75 innings for Queensland in the Under-19 National Championships last year.
On a rookie contract with the Bulls and mentored by veteran batsman Peter Forrest, Bryant recently moved to Brisbane from the Tweed as his high school studies come to a close.
He could yet feature in this season’s Big Bash League. It is understood the Brisbane Heat still have at least one spot on their roster available.
Gold Coast spinner Matt Kuhnemann picked up 1-33 on debut for the Cricket Australia XI.