South Wilts teenage fast bowling prospect Josh Croom produced his winter season's best bowling figures of 4-37 to help his adopted Adelaide club Glenelg reach the semi-finals of South Australia's West End 50-over cup.
The 19-year old left-arm quick from Stratford-under-Castle is spending a second winter in Darren Lehmann's Cricket Academy and took over 30 wickets there in 2020/21.
By his own admission, Croom has yet to reproduce the form that earned him a regular slot in Glenelg's first grade side last year.
"It’s been a tough few weeks previously, being out of form with the ball. So, it’s always a great feeling to get back on track and find my feet again," he explained.
"I can’t thank our coach and my team-mates enough for their support and faith they have shown in me through the good and bad times.
"The last few games not delivering with the ball has certainly tested me mentally when all you want to do is take wickets and show that you’ve contributed to winning games for Glenelg."
But, having played a key role alongside Australia Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey in winning a pre-Christmas game with the bat for Glenelg - Croom hit a crucial 17 not out to get side his across the line against Northern Districts - the South Wilts left-armer finally came good with the ball.
With 2017 South Wilts overseas batsman Jake Winter hitting 100, Glenelg posted a formidable 287-5 before Croom took his 4-37, ripping out four of the Southern Districts top six.
"Two were caught behind, one on the boundry and another at mid-wicket, so a very happy start to the new calendar year," Croom smiled.
"There were plenty of positives to take from Saturday and I have full-backing that we can keep the momentum going."
The 19-year old left-arm quick from Stratford-under-Castle is spending a second winter in Darren Lehmann's Cricket Academy and took over 30 wickets there in 2020/21.
By his own admission, Croom has yet to reproduce the form that earned him a regular slot in Glenelg's first grade side last year.
"It’s been a tough few weeks previously, being out of form with the ball. So, it’s always a great feeling to get back on track and find my feet again," he explained.
"I can’t thank our coach and my team-mates enough for their support and faith they have shown in me through the good and bad times.
"The last few games not delivering with the ball has certainly tested me mentally when all you want to do is take wickets and show that you’ve contributed to winning games for Glenelg."
But, having played a key role alongside Australia Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey in winning a pre-Christmas game with the bat for Glenelg - Croom hit a crucial 17 not out to get side his across the line against Northern Districts - the South Wilts left-armer finally came good with the ball.
With 2017 South Wilts overseas batsman Jake Winter hitting 100, Glenelg posted a formidable 287-5 before Croom took his 4-37, ripping out four of the Southern Districts top six.
"Two were caught behind, one on the boundry and another at mid-wicket, so a very happy start to the new calendar year," Croom smiled.
"There were plenty of positives to take from Saturday and I have full-backing that we can keep the momentum going."
