Ross Kneller (facing) has caught the eye of island manager Dave Hearse with his good early-season form and plays against the Bahamas tomorrow. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0483152)
WANDERERS batsman Ross Kneller has been named in the Guernsey team to face the Bahamas tomorrow. The right-hander, who is particularly strong off his legs, has looked in good form so far this season.
The 25-year-old accountant guided his side to victory over Rovers in their first Carey Olsen Championship match with 65 not out two weekends ago and he also compiled an unbeaten 42 against Corinthians in the Barclays Evening League, the week before.
‘It’s great [to be selected] and I’m very surprised,’ said Kneller. ‘I’m looking forward to it.’
Originally from Harrogate, Kneller had previously plied his trade in the Yorkshire leagues. Since arriving on the island two-and-a-half years ago, he has shown a lot of promise, but is the first to admit that he has not delivered.
That led his captain at Wanderers, Ben Driver, to say at the start of the season that he needed to ‘buck his ideas up’. So far this campaign, he certainly has done so.
‘I’ve not really applied myself the last two summers,’ Kneller said.
‘I’ve missed a lot of cricket because of exams and at home it was so serious, we’d train twice a week. I’ve enjoyed not having such a serious approach to cricket coming over here.
‘But I’m going to take it more seriously now.
‘I do need to buck my ideas up, as Driver said.’
The island side take on the Bahamas tomorrow at Port Soif, before playing Nepal at the KGV on Wednesday.
The international sides face each other today and the matches are warm-ups before they head to Jersey for the ICC World League Division Five tournament later in the week.
‘I don’t really know much about them,’ said Kneller.
‘They’ll be like Bermuda – and Bermuda are strong. It will be a good experience and I’m looking forward to it.’
The other outstanding selection in Dave Hearse’s team to face the Bahamas is David Hooper.
The 16-year-old Argylls all-rounder is also an exceptional fielder.
‘There are a few who can’t make it, so I will be asking a lot of players this year,’ said Hearse.
‘Ross Kneller has started well and next year he will be available for ICC tournaments.
‘David Hooper has scored a few runs and he’s an excellent fielder.
‘We’ll give him a go and we’re determined to see what the youth can do. We’ll progress them whenever we can and wherever we can.
‘Friendlies are a good chance to blood these players.’
Article posted on 19th May, 2008 - 2.29pm
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