Welcome to another edition of Tah Talk with Joel Foster. This edition Joel takes us through Jack Edwards form in India, the return of some of our NSW players for the weekends T20 fixtures, and Adam Crosthwaite making a timely return to Manly Oval.
A big thank you to Scott MacNeill and the team at Gibson MacNeill Lawyers for their new partnership with this season. If you have any legal needs big or small, visit them at www.gibsonmacneill.com.au
Edwards Making His Mark
It’s been fantastic to follow Jack Edwards’ progress over in India, where he’s been part of the Australia A squad.
In the first innings of their four-day clash against India A, Jack showed exactly the type of player he has become, blasting 88 runs off just 78 balls. That sort of innings is not only eye-catching, it’s the type of knock that sets up matches.
He took on an experienced bowling attack, and to score at that tempo showed both confidence and maturity. Positive from the outset, putting pressure back on the bowlers and batting with freedom while still being in total control of his game.
For those of us who have seen Jack grow through the ranks here at Manly, it’s no surprise to see him producing the goods on the big stage.
Right now, Australian cricket is blessed with a long list of young all-rounders who are pushing for higher honours, but innings like this one from Jack put him right up there.
It’s exciting to think that one of our own is right in the mix at the next level.
Stars Return to the Tahs
This weekend also brings a huge boost for us as our NSW-contracted players return to the fold.
At this stage, we don’t yet know exactly how many games they’ll play across the three fixtures, especially for the bowlers, who will be carefully managed after heavy workloads. But regardless of the final line-up, their involvement will be significant both on and off the field.
Personally, I’m especially excited to see Ollie Davies back at Manly Oval. He’s the type of player who backs himself every time he walks out, and that fearless approach is why he’s so dangerous.
When he plays at Manly Oval, he always seems to find another gear – maybe it’s the familiarity of home conditions, maybe it’s the support of our home crowd, but either way, he has a history of producing explosive knocks here.
Crosthwaite Returns to Manly Oval
It’s going to be a really special occasion seeing Adam Crosthwaite back at Manly Oval this weekend. “Crossy” is one of those names in Premier Cricket that carries enormous respect, not just because of what he’s achieved on the field, but also because of the way he’s carried himself throughout his career. He’s played at the highest levels of state cricket and continues to ply his trade with distinction for St Kilda in Melbourne.
Despite the years and the travel, he’s stayed closely connected to Manly, and there are still plenty around the club who have kept in regular touch with him.
It’s been since 2018 that he last pulled on the Waratah shirt, but his influence and reputation at our club linger long after his last game.
Crossy is one of those figures who raises the standards of everyone around him – he’s competitive, smart, and incredibly respected. To have him lining up for us again is not only exciting for those of us on the field, but it also means a lot to the wider club community who remember his earlier contributions. It will almost feel like a reunion of sorts this weekend, seeing him back in familiar colours.
For our younger players who might not have had the chance to play alongside him before, it’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the best.
Big Weekend Ahead
This weekend is a massive one with back-to-back action at Manly Oval on both Saturday and Sunday.
If you’ve got the chance, come down and show your support – it means the world to us as players, and it always lifts the atmosphere to another level.
With big names, familiar faces, and plenty of cricket on offer, it promises to be a weekend to remember. I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
