Xavier Crone became the first Strathfieldsaye Cricket Club product to represent Victoria when he was selected in the final XI to play Western Australia at the WACA in the Marsh Cup on Wednesday evening.
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Just before 5pm (AEDT) the fast bowler was presented with his first Victorian cap by fellow quick Andrew Fekete and minutes later he was in the field after WA won the toss and batted.
Crone, 21, bowled first change and came up against WA stars Shaun Marsh and Cam Bancroft who were well set with the score 2-55 off 10 overs.
His first ball in first-class cricket was hit for six by Bancroft.
Crone bowled a fast, short ball which Bancroft top-edged over the top of third man for six.
Players were forced off the ground a short time later because of rain with WA 2-73 off 12 overs.
Crone is the first player from the Bendigo District Cricket Association to play for the Victorian men's team since Kangaroo Flat's Tim Welsford played five first-class games for the Vics in 2005.
Strathfieldsaye first XI captain Ben Devanny said Crone's promotion to the Victorian side was a proud moment for the club.
"It's awesome news for Croney...to see a kid that started playing with us from under-11s go through and play for Victoria is great for the club,'' Devanny said.
"At age 14 or so Xavier was a good cricketer, but probably didn't standout.
"By the time he was 16 he showed that he was better than most kids at that age. He worked so hard on his game. Whenever he could he was at the nets batting and bowling until restrictions were put on him.
"Xavier kicked on through pure hard work. It's a credit to him. The great thing about Xavier is he still keeps in contact with the club and stays in touch with some of our juniors that are coming through."
As a 17-year-old, Crone took 3-40 in the 2014-15 BDCA first XI grand final as the Jets were thwarted by a Ben DeAraugo inspired Strathdale.
Crone then made the move to Premier Cricket club Carlton where he has become an integral member of the Blues' pace attack.
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