Indian cricketer Shantanu Bhaiya signs for Albury after relocating from Melbourne

Shantanu Bhaiya, an Indian medium-fast bowler who's just moved to Albury from Melbourne, says the welcome he received as an outsider walking into the club for the first time blew him away.

And the 28-year-old is determined to repay the club's faith in him by delivering at provincial level.

"I believe cricket opens doors in life," Bhaiya said.

"When I got here, I reached out to every club and (Albury captain) Ross Dixon was among the first people to reply.

"I went down there, had a net session, had a beer with him and it just clicked.

"My first impression was amazing.

"There were people ready to help me straight away, which I wasn't expecting.

"I'm originally from Mumbai and I don't really know anyone but the ease with which they accepted me made me feel welcome."

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Bhaiya, who played representative cricket up to under-18 level in India, captained Box Hill North Super Kings during four years with the Melbourne club.

Having made his Albury debut in second grade, picking up 4-14, he'll step up to the top level this weekend.

"Shan's another good pick-up," Dixon said.

"He's got a good set of slower balls, he hits the crease pretty hard, he's got some change-ups and he can bowl a yorker.

"It's something we've been looking for because we're very spin-reliant.

"This is the next piece of the puzzle around trying to go away from home and win games of cricket, where conditions favour the seamers."

Bhaiya's relishing the challenge in front of him.

"Albury haven't won a flag in a while and I really want to contribute in order to get that flag for them," he said.

"It's a great club and hopefully I can fit in, both cricket-wise but also in terms of what they stand for, which is considering everyone as family and standing up for each other."

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