Australian batsman Jamie signs for Monmouth

4:05pm Sunday 13th April 2008

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AUSTRALIAN top-order batsman Jamie Craig is the new overseas player at Monmouth Cricket Club.

The 19-year-old has arrived in Monmouth ahead of the club’s second season in Division 2 of the Crusader Worcestershire County League.

Craig plays for Adelaide Cricket Club in South Australia and is a talented young batsman who bowls handy off-breaks.

Craig has played in every junior grade for Adelaide and was rewarded by being chosen for Adelaide’s B grade team this year.

The young batsman from Glandore will be in the Monmouth team for this Saturday’s annual pre-season friendly at Usk Cricket Club, which starts at 1.30pm.

He will also be playing in the friendly at Wormelow on Sunday and the match against Monmouth Mowers on Monday before the club’s Division 2 curtain-raiser at Alvechurch on April 26.

Craig said: “I am a bit nervous because I have got such a good group of people I’ll be away from for such a long time, but I am sure this will be an interesting and rewarding time of my of life, both in and out of cricket. I am really looking forward to the first match.” He added: “I will be studying my game much more intensely than ever but I plan not to lose the fun and enjoyment I get from cricket. “ Craig has been to the UK once before with his family – but this is his first time in Wales.

“We saw most of the West coast and we even travelled up to Edinburgh. We all loved it in the UK and I am sure that I will fit comfortably into life in Monmouth,” he said.

Craig, who will be celebrating his 20th birthday in August, is not the only Australian in the Monmouth side.

He will link-up with Sydney-born batsman Charlie Bye, who has become an important part of the Monmouth side and carried off the club’s 1st team batting award last term.

Craig has replaced Mark Temple, Monmouth’s overseas player from last season, who remains in his homeland after starting his own construction company in South Africa.

The 19-year-old is keen to coach Monmouth’s young players and will be managing the club’s under-13 team over the summer.