VICTORIA coach Chris Rogers is certain that Campbell Kellaway will one day make a fine player for Australia.<\/p>\n
The recently turned 23-year-old opener impressed again, scoring 82 for the Prime Minister’s XI against an England XI at Manuka Oval under lights.<\/p>\n
Kellaway’s 82 came from 126 balls, with the left-hander showing off both his technical skills and attacking attributes with one six over point catching the eye of many.<\/p>\n
Having watched the game closely with fellow Victoria batters Ollie Peake (54) and Peter Handscomb (10) in the PM’s XI, Rogers was thrilled to see Kellaway get some reward for effort with some extra attention on the contest.<\/p>\n
“It’s great to see, first of all, recognition for a few of those guys, particularly Campbell,” Rogers said on SEN Mornings.<\/p>\n
“I think Campbell’s journey’s been excellent. He had a bright start and got an 80 against New South Wales, which helped us win a game early in his career.<\/p>\n
“But then he struggled and found the challenges of First-Class cricket in Australia, and the pitches were quite difficult.<\/p>\n
“So, he went to work, did a lot of work on his technical and mental game, and now we’re starting to see the fruits of the labour.<\/p>\n
“It’s not just the 80. I thought the way he lined the ball up again was outstanding. It was his alignment, how he stays side on, how he hits into the ball, all those kinds of things.<\/p>\n
“Even at the back end when he started to let loose and hit a cut shot for six, I think that’s fantastic and shows a player with real potential.”<\/p>\n
With Kellaway’s performances growing in stature with 38 First-Class games to his name, Rogers was asked whether he thinks the youngster is a Test player in waiting.<\/p>\n
“I think he is,” Rogers replied.<\/p>\n
“You never really know until you get in there and you have to deal with the challenges that are presented, but I feel he’s got the game for it.<\/p>\n
“It’s the way he hits the ball, those kinds of things. I think he’s got the game to be a very good international player for a long time.<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s now or whether it’s in a year or two, I’m pretty confident that an opportunity will come, and I think he’ll be ready.<\/p>\n
“I’ll look forward to that moment.”<\/p>\n
BY LACHLAN GELEIT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
VICTORIA coach Chris Rogers is certain that Campbell Kellaway will one day make a fine player for Australia. The recently turned 23-year-old opener impressed again, scoring 82 for the Prime Minister’s XI against an England XI at Manuka Oval under lights. Kellaway’s 82 came from 126 balls, with the left-hander showing off both his technical […]<\/p>\n