Ex-Battle ace set for Test debut

Rob Quiney, who spent one-and-a-half seasons at George Meadow just after the turn of the century, is due to bat at number three for Australia against South Africa in Brisbane.

Pete Maynard captained Quiney at Battle throughout the 2001 season and the second half of the 2003 campaign. He said: “I emailed him the other day and he emailed me back, and he was absolutely chuffed to bits. He’s one of the good guys in the game; he’s a really, really nice guy.”

Left-handed Quiney, 30, has come into the side for the injured Shane Watson even though he only started playing first-class cricket in 2007.

“I honestly did think he could go on to this level,” continued Maynard. “There are certain players that make the most of their talent and Rob is a good example of that. He’s always been a fantastic player and he’s made the most of his talent.”

Maynard recalled one particularly amusing moment when Quiney, who was nicknamed “Sumo” at Battle, clubbed a huge six against Glynde & Beddingham with a shot that went so far that the umpire lost sight of it and signalled four.

Quiney is thought to be Battle’s first ever Test player, although Michael Yardy played limited overs cricket for England and Burt Cockley, another overseas player, was called-up to Australia’s one-day squad in India in 2009 but didn’t play.

See tomorrow’s Battle Observer for the full article.