The West End Redbacks are looking to local talent for the 2015/16 season, with current Redbacks Adam Zampa and Callum Ferguson re-signing on multi-year contracts and three South Australian players added to the list.
Young leg-spinner Adam Zampa has re-signed to remain with the Redbacks for another two seasons after a breakout summer, while Neil Dansie Medal winner Callum Ferguson has signed an extension to his existing contract which will see him remain at Adelaide Oval until the end of the 2017/18 season.
The Redbacks have also invested in local talent, with batsmen Alex Ross and Jake Lehmann upgraded from the rookie list and local paceman Nick Benton earning his first Redbacks contract.
Ross was the Redbacks’ most consistent performer throughout the Matador One-Day Cup with 212 runs at an average of 35.33, while Jake Lehmann rewarded selectors with a promising first-class debut season, securing back-to-back half centuries in his first two first-class matches. After several years on the Emerging Redbacks list, Benton was a stand-out in his first-class debut in the last match of last season, claiming four key wickets as well as 33 not out with the bat against the Queensland Bulls.
Harry Nielsen and Cameron Valente have received rookie contracts following outstanding performances in the Toyota Futures League. A previous Australia U19 representative, Valente was a stand-out with the ball this summer in both grade cricket and the Toyota Futures League, while Emerging Redback Nielsen has been selected as a wicket-keeping apprentice to Tim Ludeman. 19-year old Nielsen made the most of a last minute call-up to a Cricket Australia XI side against India last November, scoring 43 off 40 balls.
“It is fantastic to have Adam and Callum commit to the long-term vision we have for the Redbacks”, said SACA General Manager High Performance, Tim Nielsen.
“Both players continue to demonstrate a desire to improve and remain on the radar of national selectors after being selected in the Australia A squad along with Travis Head. I have no doubt they will continue to make an impact next summer.”
Nielsen believes consistency is key for the Redbacks and believes South Australia must invest in their emerging talent for long-term success.
“Appointing Travis Head as captain has clearly displayed a will to develop the Redbacks from the leadership positions down. Kelvin Smith, Alex Gregory, Tom Andrews and Cameron Valente have been important members of the Australia U19 team over the last few years and it is brilliant to see these players continue to push for senior selection.
“It is equally important to see Jake Lehmann, Alex Ross and Nick Benton earn their opportunities following a number of outstanding seasons in the West End Premier League and they have thrived when given their chances with the Redbacks last season.
“If we are serious about sustained success at the Redbacks, we need to continue to give these players the opportunities that they have earned while surrounding them with a stable senior playing group and a high performance structure which will drive their development.”
The search for the West End Redbacks new coach is currently underway, with advertisements being placed last week. A selection panel, including Australian great Adam Gilchrist and AFL coaching legend David Parkin, SACA CE Keith Bradshaw and Nielsen, will evaluate all applicants before selecting the best possible candidate.
WEST END REDBACKS FINAL SQUAD 2015/16
1. Travis HEAD
2. Nick BENTON
3. Tom COOPER
4. Mark COSGROVE
5. Callum FERGUSON
6. Jake LEHMANN
7. Tim LUDEMAN
8. Joe MENNIE
9. Gary PUTLAND
10. Sam RAPHAEL
11. Alex ROSS
12. Kane RICHARDSON
13. Chadd SAYERS
14. Kelvin SMITH
15. Dan WORRALL
16. Adam ZAMPA
ROOKIES
1. Tom ANDREWS
2. Alex GREGORY
3. Harry NIELSEN
4. Nick WINTER
5. Cameron VALENTE
Upgraded: Jake Lehmann, Alex Ross
In: Nick Benton, Harry Nielsen (rookie), Cameron Valente (rookie)
Out: Johan Botha, Trent Lawford, Andrew McDonald
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