The opening round of Carlton Mid Premier Grade one-day games has been run and won, but some teams will be hastily turning their eye to the shortest format this week as the T20 League kicks off at DXC Arena. Modern day powerhouse Southern Districts take on Palmerston on Tuesday night from 6pm, to be followed by a blockbuster clash between PINT and Waratah at the same venue 48 hours later. Many club presidents and captains have stated their goals and ambitions for the three formats, so we've cast our eye over each side to provide some further insight. Stay tuned for the PINT and Waratah T20 previews tomorrow, followed by Nightcliff and Tracy Village on Tuesday. Darwin and the NT side will finalise our comprehensive wrap on Wednesday.
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS CROCODILES
The Crocs will be hurting after an upset loss at home on Saturday, but will be safe in the knowledge that more cavalry is coming to bolster their already strong roster and that they still showed plenty of fight in defending a low score. PINT came hard with spin at Gerry Wood Oval, and the "spin off" was won by the Greens with a combined eight wickets for the tweakers compared to two for the home side. That said, the men in red and black are notoriously sluggish starters before seemingly finding their groove when business becomes serious. They will be keen to get on the board for 2024 in their opening T20 fixture, and will go in as favourites boasting a vastly experienced side. Wicketkeeper Daniel Mylius enjoyed a long-awaited return to the top of the order, top scoring with 28 in partnership with the returning Dean Fry. Both players were really the only two to look comfortable on a dry wicket playing tricks and keeping low from ball one. Veteran Chris McEvoy (3/17 off 10) was the standout with the ball in a classy return to Premier Grade, and after a batting misfire in Round One, Southern Districts will be coming in hot on Tuesday night.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Plenty of spin. The Crocs fielded four spinners on Saturday, and with an unused DXC Arena under lights awaiting one suspects there'll be plenty more slow stuff to come. The returning Matt Hammond (at Darwin last season) can bowl at any stage of the innings, and will be ably supported by skipper Tim Garner, Dylan Mullen and Andrew Bourne. This side has won five two-day flags in six seasons for a reason, although they will be keen on adding some more silverware to the cabinet after their last T20 Final appearance (a loss to Waratah) in 2020. Southern Districts also boast a deep batting line-up, so will always feel in the game and that can be dangerous across 20 overs.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Much to ponder with so much depth and experience across a quality outfit. In this format, Dean Fry could be of high value in the top order. Coming off a dominant season in Toowoomba (QLD), the returning youngster has plenty of Territory experience and looked the goods in his first hit against the Greens on a difficult wicket. His 26 was littered with exquisite drives off both feet and some inventive lap sweeps against the spinners, and his ability to tick the scoreboard along in this format will be invaluable with some heavy artillery around him. Mullen, Mylius, Jackson Isakka, the incoming Lachlan Bangs and Corey Kelly plus skipper Garner could spell trouble for opposing bowling attacks if they get things right.