Tallangatta’s coach is banking on Indian import Sahib Malhotra playing a more dominant role after returning injury-free.
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Matt Armstrong says the all-rounder is primed for his season debut away to Wodonga on Saturday.
“He had a bit of a back injury when he came out last year, which restricted his bowling,” he said.
“He’s free from injury now, so that will free him up to be able to bowl some medium-pace, as well as some spin.
“He’s a lot freer in his bat speed and bat swing, so that should also help him with his batting.”
The former Indian under 19 squad member played just the four matches last season as a replacement for the Bushies’ injured import Dilhara Lokuhettige.
He debuted with 114 against Wodonga Raiders, but managed just 16 runs in the other three innings.
It was his leg-spin bowling which was the standout, jumping into the association’s top 30 with 17 wickets at 16 apiece.
“He might take the new ball if the wicket suits that or he might bowl overs 10 to 20 as well,” Armstrong said.
Tallangatta and Wodonga produced a crackerjack tie in round three.
Wodonga’s depth was highlighted with the top six all making 25 runs or more, with Armstrong leading the way with 83.
The match produced a bizarre finish with Wodonga’s Beau Kennedy blinded by the sun at fine leg as the ball trickled over the boundary.
“Wodonga’s been the benchmark, they’ve won a lot of premierships in the last decade,” Armstrong said.
“But we’ve got some good plans that we think will work and our track record against them in the past few years hasn’t been too bad.”
Meanwhile, Lavington’s Brett Davies will make his return from injury.
The star all-rounder injured his hamstring in the round three win over St Patrick’s.
He’ll captain the side too, with Sam Harris unavailable.
Fellow batsman Matt Sharp will also miss the match.
The Patties have worked their way into the top six after thrilling wins over Wodonga Raiders and New City.
Round eight replicates the season’s first one-dayer so New City will look to bounce back from successive losses when it travels to Belvoir.
The Eagles were tipped to feature in finals, but they’ve had a slow start to sit in eighth with a two-four win- loss record.
Belvoir posted a competitive 207 against Wodonga, but the home team couldn’t contain Wodonga’s batting as the visitors cruised to victory.
The winless Wodonga Raiders have been improving and they will host North Albury.
Last weekend’s round seven was the association’s first washout in almost three years.
