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Adam’s need for speed!

Posted on November 11, 2011

By VINNIE RODI

SUNRAYSIA cricketers beware, the Mildura Settlers Cricket Club’s latest English import – out-and-out fast bowler, Adam Shepherd – is gearing up for a big 2011/12 season.

SPEED DEMON: The Mildura Settlers Cricket Club’s latest English recruit, Adam Shepherd.

Arriving in Australia, and subsequently Mildura late Saturday morning (just 45 minutes before taking to the field alongside his new team mates), Adam, who is only 19, has already made an impact for his new club, taking 3/33 in an impressive eight-over spell against the Irymple Swallows.

Severely jet-lagged, and clocking in less than two hours of sleep prior to the game, the young pace bowler opted to come off the ‘short run’ against the Swallows, claiming three vital wickets, and helping his team register the all-important win.

Still tired from the trip, Adam took time out from a school cricket clinic this week to talk to the Mildura Weekly about his Sunraysia Cricket Association debut, admitting most of the game was still a little blurry.

“I was absolutely knackered before the game to be perfectly honest,” he said. “I’d only just arrived, and had to take three cold showers before the game – and even during our innings – to stay awake.

“It was also a bit hotter than what I’m used to, so that made it difficult as well.

“All in all it was a great experience, it’s my first time to Australia, and was a great opportunity to get used to the conditions here in Mildura.”

Considered a rising talent in the minor English County Cricket competition, Adam is set to unleash his true potential tomorrow afternoon against Mildura East, with all eyes to be on the youngster as he comes off the long run.

Reportedly able to send a cricket ball down at a staggering 136km/h, Adam is sure to set the majority of the competition’s batting line-ups on edge once he gets going.

“As a fast bowler that’s the aim – to bowl fast,” he said. “It’s also about putting it in the right areas, and mixing up the pace and length to get wickets.

“I’m really looking forward to this week’s game, and hopefully it’s not too hot!’

Recruited by Settlers captain/coach Ritchie Wyld – who spent time playing with the youngster overseas close to three years ago – Adam has just experienced one of the best minor County seasons of his young career – one that includes taking 56 wickets at an average of 12.3.

This includes a double hat-trick (four wickets in four balls) – a spell which has already caught the eyes of a number of County sides, including Durham – who have already listed Adam as a proposed addition for the 2012 English summer.

Growing up in Nottingham, Adam comes from a long line of cricketers, with his father also a prominent minor County player.

“I’ve grown up around the sport,” he said. “For as long as I can remember I’ve had a ball or bat in my hand.

“I used to go with dad every week to cricket, and then like most kids started playing in the junior ranks.”

It wasn’t long before an even younger Adam started to catch the eye of national selectors, with the talented cricketer going on to represent England at the Under 15 through to Under 18 age level.

Originally starting his career as an all-rounder, an opportunity to work alongside former Australian great Dennis Lillee (as part of an English Academy set-up) saw Adam dedicate more time to the paceman’s craft.

He has since become one of the quickest youngsters to play in the minor divisions, lining up with the likes of Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, and the Nottinghamshire and Durham second XI teams.

And while a possible international career could be on the cards in future years, for the time being Adam said he was focused on firstly doing well for his new team, and secondly breaking into the upper echelon of the County Cricket ranks.

“My main focus at the moment is on doing well for Setts,” he said. “I want to do as much as I can to help my new team, and help them finish it that all important top four.

“I wouldn’t mind coming back next year as well, so it’s important that I do well.

“Playing County cricket is something I’ll think more about after my trip here.”

Mildura Settlers will take on Mildura East at the Mildura Senior College tomorrow from 1pm, with Workers Gol Gol to host Merbein South, and Irymple taking on Mildura West at Henshilwood Oval.

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