Tallangatta’s Indian import Sahib Malhotra will make his long-awaited season debut on Saturday.
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“Sahib will arrive on Wednesday morning, so that’s good to have him back,” coach Matt Armstrong said.
The former Indian under 19 squad member had been delayed by visa issues.
It means the Bushies will, finally, be able to play both overseas players in the one game at home against Wodonga Raiders.
Those hopes were dashed last season when former Sri Lankan international Dilhara Lokuhettige dislocated his ankle playing in the United States.
The hard-hitting all-rounder is coming off an impressive 80 against Albury.
“It’s certainly the most runs he’s scored in an innings for us,” Armstrong said of his first half-century.
“He showed a lot of promise in the games last year and has a few shots that other people don’t possess.”
The inclusion of Malhotra means the Bushies will have one of the more dangerous line-ups.
Malhotra, Lokuhettige and Armstrong are potent with the bat, along with Nathan Thompson, while paceman Sam Stephens has posted top 10 finishes over the last two years
“We expect our top-end to do well, but if we’re going to challenge, we need the young guys to step up and do well,” Armstrong said.
“That’s probably where we’ve picked up the advantage at the moment.”
Jake Hill had a strong double against Albury, posting a crucial 31 at number six before snaring 3-31, while Lachie Paton also impressed.
We expect our top-end to do well, but if we’re going to challenge we need the young guys to step up.
- Matt Armstrong