Redlands Cricket Club has announced one of the most significant player signings in its history, confirming emerging English talent Adam Ball (pictured) will join the club for its entire Brisbane Premier Grade Competition.
A first class all-rounder for county side Kent, Ball boasts an already impressive resume for such a young cricketer, with many regarding the 21-year-old as a bright prospect for the future. Not only has Ball played more than 75 first class games for Kent, but he also captained England in the recent ICC U19 World Cup in Australia.
Arriving only last week, Ball set the Brisbane Premier Grade Competition on fire, taking six for 32 against Gold Coast to send Redlands' 1st grade team to the top of the competition ladder. He was thoroughly impressed upon his arrival at Redlands and is looking forward to adding to his initial success throughout the season.
"I think the club is absolutely fantastic, with some of the best facilities and grounds to offer. I cannot wait to take my game to the next level out in Australia.
"I want to make huge contributions for Redlands this season as I look to continue my development with both bat and ball trying to improve my all round ability in one of the toughest grade competitions within Australia."
He will further boost a Redlands 1st grade team that shapes up as one of the strongest in recent memory. Over the off season, Redlands regained former Queensland Bulls player Greg Moller, while adding to their fast bowling ranks with the recruitment of highly regarded seamer Jon Stimpson. With a host of talent including Brisbane Heat wicketkeeper James Peirson and a formidable batting line-up including Alex Kemp, Simon Milenko, Ryan Le Loux, Marnus Labuschagne and Sam Heazlett, the sky is the limit for Redlands this year.
Nick Hurford, in his third year as club coach, believes Redlands is shaping up for one of its biggest years.
"By gaining the services of a quality player like Ball, the club is already adding to the incredible depth of talent we have within our club ranks in all grades this year.
"The club has become stronger across all grades, with a number of new players joining us this year. We have set the bar high and are expecting big things from all teams."
Redlands has started the season with a bang and individuals are starting to be recognised by Queensland Cricket. Milenko has been a regular for the Queensland Bulls side in their Matador BBQ Cup one-day competition, while Peirson and Labuschagne have been selected to play in the Queensland Futures League team against ACT this week.
Redlands Tigers 1st grade begin their two-day competition this weekend with their first home game on Peter Burge Oval against a strong Northern Districts team looking to take top spot. With the likes of Ball and a host of developing names within Queensland, a weekend at Redlands Cricket Club will be a guarantee for quality cricket.