NT Strike Squad Announced For The 2023 CDU Top End T20 Series

NT Cricket are pleased to announce the 14 players selected to represent the NT Strike for the upcoming CDU Top End T20 Series.  

The squad will be led by the highly experienced Matt Hammond, supported by 20-year-old vice-captain and keeper Michael Kudra.  

Tom Menzies, Darwin Cricket Club’s rising 17-year-old quick, and the inclusion of 19-year-old Harsh Bimbral and 20-year-old Sam Elder, headline the next crop of talented young Territorians looking to prove themselves at the next level of the game.  

NT Strike will kick off their campaign against the Pakistan Shaheens at Gardens Oval on Sunday 30 July followed by mid-week fixtures against the ACT Comets, PNG Barras, and Melbourne Stars Academy, before closing out the round robin against the Melbourne Renegades Academy at TIO Stadium on Friday 4 August.  

See the full schedule here.

Head of Cricket Darren Treumer said the squad contained an exciting mix of local talent and inter-state players who have been performing in both the Darwin and District Cricket Competition and CDU Men’s Strike League. 

“The best part about this squad is we have four local kids under the age of 21 who have come through our pathway and academy program.  

“Michael (Kudra), Harsh (Bimbral) and Sam (Elder) all deserve their opportunity and young Tom (Menzies) is as bright a prospect as we’ve had come through our system for some time. 

“Hamish (Martin) and Coby (Edmonstone) have been around for a while now despite still being very young, and Matt (Hammond) will obviously add plenty of experience.” 

Treumer said the quality of teams participating in this year’s Top End T20 Series meant it was important to supplement the squad with high quality and experienced inter-state players with First Class and BBL pedigree who have been performing well here through the winter. 

“There’s no doubt that we’d love to pick an NT Senior Men’s Squad to compete at this level that’s entirely 100% Territory born and bred, but the reality is we are not currently there.  

“We’ve picked the strongest squad we possibly can, attempting to strike a balance between promoting home grown talent and ensuring we have the right mix of skills and team composition. 

“We’ve also tried to reward performance and ensure the squad has sufficient experience to compete and succeed at this next level.” 

NT Cricket have also selected two Development Players, Hugo Matthias (17yrs) and Zayden Lewis (18yrs), who will be available for selection but who have primarily been selected to gain further experience in and around the squad.  

NT Cricket is also pleased to confirm the NT Strike coaching team, with Waratah CC triumvirate Udara Weerasinghe, Madura Weerasinghe and Himesh Silva taking the reins.  

“I’m really pleased for Udara.  

“He’s wanted to get back into coaching at this level for some time, and there is no doubting his passion for coaching and the game. 

“Udara came through our coaching pathway completing his Level 3 with NT Cricket.  

“He’s coached the NT at under-age level and coached in the Strike League previously. He’s still coaching Premier Grade club cricket.   

“He’s also got great relationships with a lot of the players, so together with Madura and Himesh I expect they will be well organised and very clear on the brand of cricket NT Strike will play,” said Treumer.   

Tickets to all matches are now on sale and can be purchased at the gate or online at Ticketebo. 

NOTES 

The NT Strike Squad has been selected by Darren Treumer, Head of Cricket, with input from and in consultation with experienced and respected local and inter-state cricket coaches currently coaching in the Territory. 

Club Presidents seeking further information regarding selection, and/or local players who believe they warranted selection, are encouraged to contact Darren Treumer, Head of Cricket, or Gavin Dovey, Chief Executive Officer.  

Selection by Club Breakdown