RUSSELLS Creek coach Paul Walker says he is yet to settle on a heir apparent for opening batsman Kyle Humphrys.
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Creek is preparing for life after Humphrys after the hard-hitting left-hander took up an offer to captain Warrnambool and District Cricket Association rival Nestles.
Humphrys made 433 runs last summer and represented Warrnambool and District Cricket Association at Melbourne Country Week. His departure leaves the club with questions surrounding who will face the new ball.
Composed teenager Charlie Locke partnered Humphrys late last season while Nathan Divall and Walker also opened at various stages.
“It could be anyone from Jordan Wallace to myself or Nathan Divall or someone out of left field,” Walker said.
“I don’t know who that person will be but it could be anyone. Riley Owen is another who has to concentrate on his school for a certain period but he knows what I’m after from him.”
Humphrys, who has spent the winter playing cricket in England and is yet to receive a clearance, is one of two departures at Jetty Flat.
Sri Lankan batsman/wicket keeper Shanaka Perumpuli is the other omission while Merrivale quick Matthew Petherick is the sole arrival, also pending a clearance.
Creek opens its season with a Twenty20 fixture against Dennington on October 10. Nirranda, Woodford, East Warrnambool-YCW and Nestles are its other Merri conference rivals.
Walker said he was after “10 per cent improvement from everybody”. He acknowledged the departures would leave him with a young list with a sprinking experience – Jayaweera Bandara, Divall and himself.
“I’m not asking heaps, just improvement from last season. It was always going to be a development year with Kyle leaving and not having Shanaka,” he said.
But having a youthful list also came with a sense of anticipation that the unexpected could become reality.
“The potential of the playing group is untapped, really. You know what you’re going to get with Nathan, Bundy and myself but the rest are unknown quantities, which is a good thing,” Walker said.