By Nicholas Creely
DANDENONG’S UK import Callum Parkinson is set for a big season at the Premier Cricket club, and is excited about the prospects for the season ahead.
The talented 19-year-old left arm spinner is the major signing for Dandenong this season having made his first-class debut for Derbyshire in last season’s County Championship.
Highly rated back in the UK, Parkinson featured in four matches for Derbyshire, taking 14 wickets at 37.92, with a solid 4/90 and 48 not-out in his debut match.
“It was a big surprise, really, I wasn’t really expecting to break into the first team in Derby but I went really well and luckily played a few games towards the end of the season which was really good for my experience and development,” Parkinson said.
“It’s a massive step up obviously from the county second’s team, but I took everything in my stride and will keep learning.
But the young star is back in Australia for the summer of cricket, and can’t be any happier.
“I landed on the 26 September, actually, and it’s good to be back here.
“I played at Mount Waverly last year and we won the subbies flag so I had a good time last year – it was good.
Parkinson, who the Panthers will be hoping can help lift the club back into the First XI finals mix, believes the standard of cricket in Victoria is as good as anything he has experienced back home.
“The standard is very high and there is just such a difference to back home.
“The training also is very intense and there are a lot of blokes down on a Tuesday and Thursday night competing for places in the top side, which is obviously very healthy at clubs.
“But what I’ve also noticed is the depth of the teams; blokes that are coming in at 8, 9 and 10 are of a good standard and that’s really healthy.
“The grounds are definitely a lot bigger over here as well – as a spinner it can be tricky bowling on smaller grounds at home but over here it works to my advantage that the grounds are big,” Parkinson said.
“In terms of the wicket, they are actually quite similar, and when I got here last year I assumed the pitches would be rock hard, bouncy and fast, but they’re not too dissimilar to back home.”
Parkinson is known as a spinner with excellent control, turn and bounce, but views in-game battles as his biggest strength.
“I’m a very competitive cricketer and I like to be in a battle with the opposition, as well as being aggressive in what I do and not try and focus on what they’re doing, really.
Speaking on the Panthers season so far heading into round three, Parkinson is confident the group has what it takes.
“I think as a group we’re really confident of doing well in all grades.
“The first XI, there are at least 15 or 16 guys competing for a place in the team and there’s a good blend of experienced guys like Forsyth and Butterfield, and guys like myself and Edwards, who made 70 on the weekend, are just coming into the system.
“We’re all quite excited to see how far we can go this year,” Parkinson said.
The Englishman also heaped praise on new coach Nick Speak, highlighting is ability to relate to the group as a major positive.
“Nick Speak is just brilliant – he’s just so laid back, but such a great sounding board and he offers some great advice to me and the guys and I think everyone is just enjoying what he has brought.
“He’s a really good leader and he’s going to take the club forward which will be really good.
Dandenong will play a double-header this weekend against Melbourne Uni and Fitzroy Doncaster.
