Mathieson picked in Renegades Academy squad

NORTH Geelong left-arm quick Tom Mathieson is in the 12-player Renegades Academy squad now playing matches against ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers Scotland and Namibia this week in Wangaratta.

Mathieson, winner of the 2021 Renegades Recruit competition, is one of the new faces in the side, which includes newly-signed spin bowler Ruwantha Kellapotha and is being captained by young gun Mackenzie Harvey.

The squad is similar to the one that represented the Renegades Academy in Darwin last month, with nine of the 12 players to feature again.

Former Victoria wicket-keeper Adam Crosthwaite will coach the side.

“It’s great to have our Renegades Academy squad back in action against two high-quality opponents, Scotland and Namibia, and to be taking matches to regional Victoria,” Melbourne Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said.

“This is another window to get invaluable match practice into some of our contracted players ahead of BBL|12.

“It’s also a chance for us to look at some players who have impressed in Premier ranks and other competitions, as well as an exciting development opportunity for our Renegades Recruit winners from the past two years.”

The Renegades Academy played Scotland yesterday (Wednesday, October 5) and will play Namibia at 10am today (Thursday, October 6).

Victorian-contracted players have been named, pending any selection for state commitments.

Renegades Academy Squad:

Mackenzie Harvey (captain + wk) – Carlton CC

Jake Fraser-McGurk – Richmond CC

Ruwantha Kellapotha – Casey-South Melbourne CC

Campbell Kellaway – Melbourne CC

Jack Lalor – Northcote CC

Will Lovell – St Kilda CC

Tom Mathieson – North Geelong CC

Mark Murphy – Brierly Christ Church CC

Fergus O’Neill – Melbourne CC

Jack Prestwidge – Melbourne CC

James Seymour – Essendon CC

Kyle Williamson – Melbourne CC