Melbourne Cricket Club gun plans to play for Russells Creek

It would mean getting the chance to play with the likes of captain Cameron White, who has played for Australia.

But he's got a back up plan with it uncertain if and when the season will go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The 19-year-old is preparing to play with his former club Russells Creek in the Warrnambool District Cricket Association.

He feels Creek is the best club to keep developing his game while he waits for Premier Cricket to resume.

"Like most people, I don't really know what's going to happen with Melbourne," he said.

The talented all-rounder was striving to have a breakout summer for MCC.

He's been playing for Melbourne's second and third division teams and wanted to push for selection in the top-grade side.

Having graduated from Melbourne Grammar School last year it was his chance to focus on playing well for MCC.

"This year I was planning to get the full season with Melbourne in but it's looking like I'm going to play back here now," he said.

Bandara, last summer, didn't get the chance to play regularly for MCC until after Christmas due to his Melbourne Grammar cricket commitments. He started boarding at the prestigious school in year nine as a 14-year-old.

Now he can't wait to get out in the middle for Creek, a club he played some junior seasons with.

He said the last time he played was alongside his dad and the club's former coach, Jayaweera. It was a twenty20 encounter a couple of summers ago.

"It'll be good, it's pretty exciting to even get out and do something because the winter has been rough for everyone," he said.

"It's a good group at Russells Creek as well."

Bandara believes Creek's squad is stacked with talent.

He wants to work hard and play his role for the side which made a two-day semi-final earlier this year.

The young gun, a top-order batsman and off-spin bowler, already knows all the players.

"I've been training with them over summers with Dad coaching there the past three or four years," he said.

Bandara has also been diligently working on his fitness and skills alongside his studies.

He's studying a Bachelor of Business at RMIT remotely due to the pandemic.

The teenager also plans to do some work behind the bar for his dad's business Bundy's Bar and Bites.

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