By Jonty Ralphsmith
Merinda Park stalwart Daniel McCalman is confident that the Merinda Park batting order in 2024-25 will have more stability.
The leading run-scorer in the First XI last season with 529 at 52.9, there was a great reliance on his consistency, with Campbell Bryan the only other Cobra in the top 20 runscorers across the league.
In 2024-25, Merinda Park bat far deeper, with Matt Dennerley able to contribute valuable runs from number eight, while the attacking Ash Slater and stable Sulakshan Mendisque transferring in the offseason.
There is also confidence that Tyson Bertrand and Luke Dinger, who played only bit-part roles last season, will establish themselves as valuable members of the top six, while Hayden Cleland is viewed as a player who could push into the First XI.
“It’s just about building on last year,” McCalman said.
“Myself and Campbell (Bryan) have been here for years but we’ve added to the depth of the group which is putting pressure on the whole group to perform.
“The group fits in and gels really well.
“We’re building a really good culture – I’m looking forward to the mateship side of things this year.
McCalman, Bryan, Bevin Cornielle and Liam Bertrand, who will miss this year with an ACL injury, all made significant scores at times last year, but there was a constant flow of wickets which limited their ability to build sustained pressure on opponents.
McCalman says that has been a focus of preseason.
“We want to be more consistent and try to stem the flow of wickets at times which we had an issue with last year,” he said.
“Partnership batting will be important so when we’re in, we can make the most of that.
“Everyone is going to buy in so it should be a fun year.
“There is pressure on players in the ones and youth in the twos which is good for the long term.”
