Sparky to bring heat
HIS bowling is as fast as his hair, and apprentice electrician Travis Busch is ready to spark the rivalry between the top end of the state and the southeast.
Busch will be one of five Townsville rising stars picked for the under-18 Northern Alliance side to face off against South Queensland in Ipswich.
There will be a strong fastbowling contingent with Busch joined by Matthew Wiseman and Wanderers left-armer Jarrod Edmondson as well as all-rounders Ethan Ramsbotham and Riley Miller.
The Northern Alliance will face off with their southern rivals in two T20 fixtures and a one-dayer with further selection in Queensland on the line.
Busch has worked hard in the nets with Queensland Cricket coaching guru Tony Hampson, but said the opportunity to don the maroon had not played on his mind.
“I think we are all going down as a team to try and win the games, (selection for Queensland) is a chance at the end but it isn’t our focus,” he said.
“I think it will just be good to get us Townsville boys back together, we have a really good bond.”
Busch returned to action for Norths in their upset T20 opener win over Sub Parks last weekend. The seamer picked up two wickets and bowled at an impressive click.
It has been a tougher run for alliance teammate Jarrod Edmondson, who was robbed of an opportunity to play for the Queensland schoolboys by the COVID pandemic. While it has been a frustrating year for the swing bowler, he vowed he had put it behind him ahead of a strong tournament in Ipswich.
“I try not to focus on the bad stuff. I focus on the positives,” Edmondson said.
“We have been waiting ages to finally get a game of cricket in, it is a great chance to get out with all the boys as well. It feels like it has been ages since we have played.”
The only battle Edmondson is expecting to face is the one for the new cherry.
“It is normally age and experience, I am sure the older boys will take that new pill.”