By Jonty Ralphsmith
Merinda Park
2023-24 finish: Sixth
2023-24 leading runscorer: Daniel McCalman (529)
2023-24 leading wicket-taker: Rumesh Ranasinghe (18) (departed).
While there has been some turnover at Merinda Park, there now appears to be a degree of confidence that the players that are at the club are there for the right reasons. Merinda Park was competitive in patches last season but unable to take the moments when they came. Wajahat Ali is a leggie with all the tricks who could be a handy wildcard for skipper Matthew Campbell, while youngsters Josh Guinea and Sulakshan will offer control with the ball. The two losses that will hurt the most – both culturally and on-field – will be that of Liam Bertrand and Tom Hodge, who both ruptured their ACL during the footy season. If Merinda Park is to take a step forward, stalwart Daniel McCalman will need some pressure released, having held the batting lineup together for so long. The most likely member to add maturity is recruit Charl Van Den Heever who joins the club from overseas.
Club quote
Matthew Campbell, captain-coach: “Getting the boys to understand preparation and knowing when they needed to switch on (has been a focus of preseason). The mental aspect of the game and outfielding are really important for us after last year.”
Ins: Danny Diwell, Ash Slater, Wajahat Ali, Josh Guinea, Hayden Cleland, Charl Van Den Heever, Sulakshan
Outs: Rajan Rana, Jude Johnstone, Rumesh Ranasinghe, Liam Bertrand (injured), Tom Hodge (injured)
Prediction: Seventh
