Cricket Aussies turn to Netherfield pro Ferguson (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cricket Aussies turn to Netherfield pro Ferguson

1:29pm Saturday 7th February 2009 in

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By: Richard Daniels NETHERFIELD Cricket Club’s professional Callum Ferguson is set to make his debut for Australia in the Commonwealth Bank Series one-day matches against New Zealand.

The 24-year-old Ferguson looks poised to play in matches at Melbourne and Sydney on Friday and Sunday respectively this week.

Coverage of the series, in which Australia trail 1-0 after a final-ball defeat in Perth, is scheduled on Sky TV.

Uncapped Ferguson was brought into the squad, along with Adam Voges, after the selectors’ decision to rest skipper Ricky Ponting and with Shaun Marsh ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Netherfield clinched a contract shortly after Christmas to bring back Ferguson to the current Northern Premier League champions for a second season.

The in-form South Australia batsman played a huge part in leading the Parkside Road club to the title and did so in record-breaking style, setting a new aggregate record of 1,381 runs for the season.

Since his return, the classy right-hander has been in impressive form.

He was informed of his selection five minutes after being dismissed for 115 in South Australia’s Shieffield Shield defeat to Victoria at MCG, where he had also made 81 in the first innings.

“Thrilled to bits...this is a surprise for me, “ was his immediate reaction.

Netherfield committee-man David Otway, who has helped to arrange the professional’s reappointment, told the Gazette: “We only clinched his signature two or three weeks ago.

“Callum’s committed to coming back to us but we will have to see how his selection for Australia will change that as there is obviously a release clause if he is called up to play for the national team.”

Australia travel to South Africa in a fortnight, then play Pakistan in Australia before the 20-20 World Cup, and the Ashes in England.

“We hope he has every success with Australia and his career progresses to the highest level. I spoke with Callum yesterday morning (Monday).

“He was thrilled and actually said that he was another one off the Netherfield Cricket Club production line to play international cricket, which he is after the likes of Kallis, Gibbs, Crooks and Boon.

”Everyone at Netherfield wishes him well, but we are hoping he will come back this year.”