AIDEN Blizzard hopes he spends as much time in the middle on December 13 as his previous visit to Lavington Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Originally from Shepparton, Blizzard remembers the occasion well.
“My last game there was for the Murray Bushrangers playing Aussie Rules,” Blizzard said.
“I played a game of cricket at Lavington as a 14-year-old I think.
“I haven’t been back for quite a while but when I was playing cricket for Victoria there were some Diamonds in the Bush campaigns at the indoor centre here so I definitely know the landscape.
“Andrew McDonald harps about this area so we will definitely be getting in touch with him and thanking him because apparently he created cricket in the region.”
Jokes aside, the 32-year-old couldn’t be happier to be returning to the region as one of Sydney Thunder’s batsmen to take on Melbourne Stars.
Blizzard has become a crowd favourite in Twenty20 cricket with his 89 from 38 balls on debut for the Victorian Bushrangers in 2007 underlining his talent.
“I actually grew up two hours south of here in Shepparton so I really appreciate the significance of being able to bring the game to regional NSW and Victoria cities,” he said.
“Giving opportunities to propel grassroot cricketers is great.
“I experienced it as a youngster.
“I still remember Victoria and West Indies playing at Wangaratta quite a long time ago
“The imprint that we can leave with these kids is quite significant.”
Melbourne Stars captain David Hussey said his team would be throwing everything into the match to prepare for its opening round clash against Hobart Hurricanes on December 26.
“Getting the best possible practice for the season is paramount,” Hussey said.
“There is a bit of unfinished business (after losing grand final).
“I thought last year we were fantastic on and off the field.
“Hopefully we can go one step further this year.”