A big month ahead: Hastings
Tue, 16 February 2010
John Hastings says his selection as the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year is a lifetime highlight. He hopes it is the beginning of a big month which can also see him being part of Victoria's winning one-day and Sheffield Shield teams. "It's one of my life-long goals to play and win a Shield final," he said. "I missed out last year, but it was a fantastic side and they played wonderfully well in the final. "My body has let me down previously (in his first years in Victoria) but touch wood is holding up well now. It has been good to get some games in a row. Things are going pretty well. "I need to look after myself in the next four weeks and we can qualify for back-to-back Shield finals." The Bushrangers, current reigning champions, have cleared out eight points clear of second-placed Queensland with three rounds to go in the race for this summer's Shield final. All four of the team's outright wins have come in Melbourne. Hastings won the Bradman award at the Allan Border Medal count on Monday night from NSW's Steve Smith. It follows his first-ever representative selection for the Prime Minister's XI game against the West Indies recently. Already in 2009-10, Hastings has bowled more than 500 overs, taking more than 50 wickets, as well as contributing significantly in the lower order. He has played all 23 matches so far: seven Shield,, nine one-dayers and seven Twenty20s. "We're playing well despite our injuries," Hastings said after the team's latest outright win against star-studded NSW. "It's great to see we can win from any position. "It was bad luck for James Pattinson that he went down, but Wrighty is bowling unbelievably well right now. It's exactly what we have needed. "With Darren Pattinson back from injury now and Andrew McDonald playing just about the best cricket of his life, both with bat and the ball, it is really helping us to stay nice and competitive." The 24-year-old from the Hawkesbury Rover area of Sydney is in his third year with the Bushrangers, having been invited to Melbourne by head coach Greg Shipperd. "We are thrilled for John to be recognised for his achievements so far," said Shipperd. "He has worked hard to become a regular in our sides and hasn't missed a game all year. "Few have improved his game as much in the last 12 months. It is a credit to him, but John knows the hard work is only just beginning. "He only just missed (selection in) the Shield final last year. I know he'd love to be there this time."
by Ken Piesse
