The County Championship is seen as one of the most competitive domestic red-ball competitions. While a few cricketers see it as a platform to hone their skills, other players have the County Championship as the primary tournament in their cricket careers. The overseas contingent of the tournament is a mix of both. Players from various nations play in this league. From India, Cheteshwar Pujara is taking part in the competition. A few from Australia are also a part of the ongoing event. In this article, we take a look at six popular Australian cricketers who are playing in the ongoing County Championship.
1) Marnus Labuschagne – Glamorgan
The World’s No.1 Test batter is also participating in the ongoing County Championship. Although he is the No.1 batter, there is criticism that he has not proved himself in overseas conditions. As part of this preparation, Marnus is representing Glamorgan in the second division of the tournament.
The start was slow but the right-handed batter is slowly finding his groove. He has already got a century and a couple of fifties. Interestingly, the player is also contributing with the ball for his team. All of this bodes well for the Australian Team.
2) Marcus Harris – Gloucestershire
Marcus Harris is one of the popular Australian cricketers who are playing in the ongoing County Championship. Although he has struggled for Australia in recent months, he is doing well in the County.
He has already accounted for more than 400 runs in the first division. This record also includes two centuries. With this show, he can force the selectors to consider him again.
3) Peter Siddle – Somerset
After his retirement from Australian cricket, Peter Siddle is enjoying a fine stint at Somerset. In four games, so far, he has already taken 16 wickets.
When Somerset won the trophy in 2019, Siddle was a crucial part of the campaign. The club will hope that the veteran will keep his form over the next few weeks.
4) Michael Neser – Glamorgan
The cricketer, who has played one game so far for Australia, is Marnus Labuschange’s teammate at Glamorgan in the second division. The medium-pacer had a fine stint last year, collecting 23 scalps.
Neser came in as Pat Cummins’ replacement in the recently concluded Ashes. He had a decent game and if he can continue the form in the ongoing County, Neser can get more frequent opportunities. He would also want to do well with the bat so that Australia will consider his all-around value.
5) James Pattinson – Nottinghamshire
James Pattinson is also one of the popular Australian cricketers who are playing in the ongoing County Championship. Ahead of the Ashes last year, Pattinson announced his retirement from Test cricket. This was mainly due to the knee injury that has troubled him. However, the player is participating in the ongoing red-ball tournament in England.
In the first game that he played, the pacer could take a single wicket. However, his performances have improved since then. The player would want to remain in the best fitness going forward in his career.
6) Peter Handscomb – Middlesex
Peter Handscomb is one player whose form has tapered off in recent months. He last played a Test for his country back in 2019. His performances in the County have also been disappointing.
This season, in 4 games, he has scored 167 runs, a record that is poor for an overseas player. Middlesex has won games but the batter must step up to contribute well to his team.
