Russells Creek recruit Isuru Yaddehige leads strong bowling attack

The Creek coach’s comparison looks like it mightn’t be too far from the mark after a skillful display of line-and-length bowling scored Yaddehige a hat-trick against Wesley-CBC on Saturday, securing a 34-run win in the Warrnambool and District Twenty20 match.

“He’s very similar to Glenn McGrath,” Bandara said.

“Those guys just keep bowling wicket-to-wicket.

“He’s been really good value to the team.

“He’s been really good at training, too. He’s worked so hard.”

Saturday’s hat-trick – which came amid a haul of 4-18 off three overs – was the second in Yaddehige’s career.

The first came back in his school days in Sri Lanka.

But unlike the first time he scored the feat, Saturday’s effort was three clean-bowled dismissals.

“When I came to bowl, I thought, ‘We scored 107 so I need to bowl line and length’,” Yaddehige said.

“I didn’t try to bowl quick. So that’s where I got three wickets.”

The 29-year-old forms part of a potent Creek bowling attack, which also features the likes of Matthew Petherick, Jimmy Elford and Blake Evans, who opened the bowling on Saturday, as well as spinners Joe Kenna and Atulugage Silva.

“We have a very good team this year. It’s a good bowling attack,” Yaddehige said.

“I think we can go for a grand final.”

Bandara said there were also some division two players making a strong case to be considered for a top grade call-up.

Russells Creek’s quest to return to finals has started strongly, with the team undefeated after four rounds of the Twenty20 competition – including a round that was washed out – compared to just one win from the shortest format last season.

“It’s been really good so far – touch wood that we can keep going,” Bandara said.

“Everyone is giving 100 per cent every time they go out there.”