Meet Bendigo's squad for next week's annual Melbourne Country Week carnival, which starts on Monday.
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LINTON JACOBS (C)
Carnivals: 6
Runs: 171 Avr: 10.1 HS: 38*
Wkts: 2 Avr: 8.5 Best: 2-17
First year as skipper for the keeper-batsman, who has led Strathdale to the past three flags. Represented Victoria Country last month and will bat anywhere from No.3 to 7.
ADAM BURNS
Carnivals: 11
Runs: 352 Avr: 18.5 HS: 49*
Wkts: 86 Avr: 17.0 Best: 7-39
One of Bendigo’s great Country Week servants lining up for his 12th carnival. Has been Bendigo’s leading wicket-taker at five carnivals, including 2010 when he captained the grand final win.
ISAAC CONWAY
Carnivals: 0
Still playing under-17s for Sandhurst, with his selection reaffirming his status as a player of the future. Keeper-batsman who has played some Premier Cricket with Essendon this season.
GARETH DAVIES
Carnivals: 0
The Welsh import has had a consistent season for White Hills, with his all-round contribution helping the Demons climb the ladder. Can whack a ball and will bowl off-spin.
BEN DeARAUGO
Carnivals: 8
Runs: 173 Avr: 17.3 HS: 46
Wkts: 48 Avr: 19.9 Best: 5-14
The star all-rounder is the sole player left from the drought-breaking 2007 Country Week premiership win. Loves the big occasion, whether it’s opening the bowling or with the bat.
BRENT HAMBLIN
Carnivals: 3
Runs: 24 Avr: 24.0 HS: 19*.
Wkts: 14 Avr: 16.4 Best: 3-39
Part of what is a strong Bendigo bowling unit. Could open the bowling alongside his Kangaroo Flat team-mate Adam Burns, while he’s also a handy batsman to have coming in as low as No. 10 or 11.
MICHAEL HANSON
Carnivals: 0
The hard-hitting Huntly-North Epsom opening batsman has been one of the recruits of the season following a year off. Was particularly damaging during the Twenty20 tournament.
RHYS IRWIN
Carnivals: 0
First trip to Melbourne Country Week for the 19-year-old. Has been a workhorse with the ball for White Hills this season, while he has also played some handy lower-order innings with the bat.
SAM JOHNSTON
Carnivals: 2
Runs: 228 Avr: 38.0 HS: 49*
Wkts: 1 Avr: 44.0 Best: 1-23
All-rounder who rarely plays a game for Huntly-North Epsom without having some impact with either bat or ball. Has only been dismissed for less than 15 once in seven Country Week innings.
TRAVIS KING
Carnivals: 0
One of the elite batsmen of the BDCA, who is again having a stellar season opening for Strathdale. Represented Victoria Country last month and a key to Bendigo’s chances next week.
AARON MONRO
Carnivals: 2
Runs: 133 Avr: 19.0 HS: 64*
Wkts: 4 Avr: 20.0 Best: 2-27
All-rounder who crossed to Eaglehawk this season from White Hills. Gives the side some flexibility with not only his bowling, but also his ability to bat anywhere in the order.
ADRIAN PAPPIN
Carnivals: 0 (for Bendigo)
One of the most explosive batsmen in the BDCA who looms as an X-factor with his capacity to belt the ball all over the park. Will float in the order from day to day depending on the situation.
CAMERON TAYLOR
Carnivals: 2
Runs: 287 Avr: 41.0 HS: 106
Wkts: 13 Avr: 21.9 Best: 3-15
The all-rounder is vice-captain of the team and another of the members who represented Victoria Country last month. Has a big week ahead batting at No.4 and bowling his leg-spin.
ANTHONY WEST
Carnivals: 1
Runs: 97 Avr: 24.3 HS: 77
Wkts: - Avr: - Best: -
Has been the clear standout with the bat for Eaglehawk this season with his 350 runs and has the big job of batting at No.3 next week. One of the best fielders in the competition.
MAX TAYLOR
Coach of Bendigo’s Melbourne Country Week squad for the third year.
THE DRAW:
Monday: v Murray Valley at Greenvale.
Tuesday: v Sale-Maffra at Carlton.
Wednesday: v Leongatha at Prahran.
Thursday: v Mornington at Endeavour Hills.