Tara Murray
A two-tier premier cricket competition, renewed focus on the quality of junior coaching, communication, list management selection and improved pathways for women’s cricket are among the recommendations in a new Cricket Victoria report.
The recommendations were a result of the findings from former Australian star Mike Hussey who conducted a review of Cricket Victoria’s selection and contracting processes to ensure it was in line with best practice and provides the best opportunity for elite talent to be identified, nurtured and progress to state and international level.
The recommendations were split into seven areas.
Among the recommendations were, employing the best available people to fulfil specific roles, delivering a renewed focus on the quality of coaching, expertise, and skill development on offer, building opportunities for club coaches to be involved in the Youth Pathway and Cricket Performance program, develop a consistent vision and strategy on list management and talent identification and improving pathway structures and building stronger foundations through metropolitan regional Victoria.
Hussey found there was a disconnect between Cricket Victoria and the state sides and Victorian Premier Cricket.
He called for better communication and clearly identifying the purpose and the role of premier cricket.
Hussey said among the current perceptions and concerns was the continual selection of pathway talent despite underperforming at premier cricket, premier cricket performances. not holding much weight and senior players losing faith in the selection process.
“An emphasis to be placed on strong communication and relationships combined with a focus on junior development programs, a thriving premier cricket and 2nd XI competition is the basis for the production of quality Australian players and the sustained success of Victorian cricket,” the report said.
One of Hussey’s recommendations was to re-structure the premier cricket competition into a two-division system with promotion and relegation opportunities.
Cricket Victoria in its initial response, said that was for the clubs to decide.
Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins welcomed the report and said the recommendations would be considered by the board and executive.
“This review gives Victorian cricket a strong platform to think critically about why and the way we do things in cricket performance and where we can evolve our programs and relationships to support better outcomes,” Cummins said.
“Victoria has always prided itself on the quality of the players we produce and it’s important we continue give players the best opportunity to succeed at whatever level they might play at.
“It’s clear in this report that we have a collective opportunity to build more structure and rigour around our programs but it’s also a combined effort with premier clubs.
“The board and I look forward to working with all our stakeholders on the recommendations in this report to deliver a cricket performance ecosystem that develops Victorian and Australian players for years to come.”
