Abbatangelo to lead National Indigenous Squad

Announced today by Cricket Australia, Imparja Cup skipper Ben Abbatangelo was named captain of the Development Squad alongside Victorian teammates Josh Eaton and Damon Egan.

In 2013-14, Abbatangelo was named the Melbourne Stars Community Rookie where he received the chance to learn from a host of world-class players and coaches, which included tutelage from Sir Vivian Richards.

Over the past season, the Noogal Toengorrt Tani squad member has capitalised on his cricketing opportunities, scoring his maiden Bartercard Premier Cricket First XI century (112) for Northcote and also another two hundreds for Waratah Cricket Club in Darwin

The 21-year-old from the Yorta Yorta country acknowledged the good opportunity that the Development Squad provides to Indigenous cricketers.

“The carnival provides another chance to help us develop as cricketers and advance our playing careers,” Abbatangelo said.

“I saw a lot of talent at the Imparja Cup this year and I know it will only continue to grow and improve.”

Joining Abbatangelo in the squad is Essendon pace bowler Eaton and Melbourne young gun Egan.

Moving between Premier Firsts and Seconds in 2013-14, Eaton snared 25 wickets in 19 matches for Essendon while Egan piled on 122 runs in 11 matches for Melbourne’s 3rd XI.

With a vast cricket coaching knowledge that has seen him work in the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Scotland, former Victorian Imparja Cup coach Anthony Judd will coach the National Indigenous Development Squad.

Identified by tournament selectors, Cricket Australia’s National Talent Manager Greg Chappell and Judd, the squad was selected based on performances at the Imparja Cup, in club cricket and at state and national competitions across the summer.

The team will play a combination of one-day and Twenty20 matches against the ICC East Asia Pacific, Papua New Guinea, and Northern Territory Strike from September 13 to 19.

The preliminary squad announcement coincides with Australian cricket’s annual participation campaign, PlayCricket, an online information resource which is designed to encourage all Australians to get involved, no matter who they are, where they come from or whether they’ve ever picked up a bat or ball.

To sign up to your local club, visit playcricket.com.au

To view the preliminary 2014-15 National Indigenous Squad, click here.