When it comes to spin bowling in New Zealand there is only one spin king and that is Daniel Vettori. The great news for the BLACKCAPS, however, is that there are some emerging young players nipping at his heels to become the country’s premier spin bowler.
When it comes to left arm orthodox spin three names stand out among the rest. Jason Donnelly, George Worker and Nick Beard are all young guns and all under 22.
Jason Donnelly – Canterbury Wizards
Donnelly, who is playing his first season for Canterbury, said spin bowling came naturally from a young age. “When I was younger I’d spin the ball off the walls and I wasn’t tall enough to be a fast bowler,” he said. “My brother was also a spinner so I learnt a lot off him.”
At 22, the idea of making a huge impact with his bowling at a First Class level excites Donnelly. “I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to develop my skills in Canterbury and hopefully I can repay the favour this year for the Wizards.
“Spinning is an art. If you look at the best five spinners in the world they all do something different. It’s all about variation and being able to consistently control the ball.”
George Worker – Central Districts & Nick Beard – Otago Volts
Central Stags’ George Worker and Otago’s Nick Beard are the youngest left arm orthodox spinners in the First Class scene. Both are only 20. Worker debuted during the 2007/08 season while Beard first played last season.
Speaking during the match for the Volts against Canterbury Beard said he hasn’t always been a spin bowler. “I started bowling pace through the under 15’s, but I got told to stop because I had a dodgy action and so I started spin bowling.”
His coach Mark Bracewell encouraged him to try spin and now Beard is a regular part of the Volts bowling attack.. “It’s good to be part of the Volts and I like to be contribute with my bowling.”
Tarun Nethula – Auckland Aces
For legbreak bowling, 26 year old Tarun Nethula from the Aces and 23 year old CantabrianTodd Astle are two to watch.
Nethula is fast becoming the spinner everyone is talking about. He made his debut for the Aces last season, becoming the top wicket taker for the team during 2008/09. Recently he was also part of the New Zealand Invitation XI that played Pakistan in Queenstown and it seems it won’t be long till we see him line up for the BLACKCAPS.
Todd Astle – Canterbury Wizards
Todd Astle first appeared on the first class scene in the 2005/06 season and since then he has been a regular member of the Wizards team with fine displays with the bat and game breaking performances with the ball.
An example of his ability to turn a game was in the Championship final two years ago against Wellington. He took three wickets in one over and eventually took 4/26 in the second innings, which helped secure a victory for the Wizards.
Kane Williamson & Bruce Martin – Northern Knights
The youngest spinner in First Class cricket is 19 year old Kane Williamson from the Northern Knights. Although his is considered a batting all-rounder his right arm off-breaks are often called upon and with a five wicket bag to his name he has proved that he is more than just a useful part-timer
Williamson has come through the age group ranks playing in the likes of the Gillette Cup competition,was the captain of the New Zealand Under 19 team for the World Cup in Malaysia and was part of the New Zealand Emerging Players winter tour earlier in the year.
He said he is looking forward to the challenges ahead and is grateful to be part of a First Class team. “It’s great to be able to apply my trade and develop my skills. The Knights have an awesome culture and it’s great to be part of that.”
The more mature Bruce Martin is the Knights first choice spinner and is renowned for his variety and control. Martin was Northern’s best bowler last year and and 29 seems to be improving with age.
