Comments:
Profile: batsman and
occasional bowler
/ wicketkeeper, Damian
Devola is one of
the world's most exciting
cricketers. Originally
from Victoria, he
made his entry to
first-class cricket
as a specialist batsman
but ultimately relocated
when it became obvious
that his desire to
become a first-class
wicketkeeper/bowling
alrounder would not
be fulfilled in his
home state. In 2003
he duly elected to
transfer to the United
Kingdom, where he
quickly found a niche.
He has not looked
back since.
Although Devola's
elevation to international
honours was not without
controversy (it was
made at the expense
of the ever-popular
Rohan McDonald), he
has subsequently become
an integral member
of AP line ups. His
cricketing acumen
has also seen him
come to occupy a position
among Australia's
core group of sledgers
and general pisstakers.
Behind the stumps,
Devola is both agile
and reliable. With
the bat, he is one
of the game's foremost
attacking strokemakers
and he has a relish
for punishing loose
bowling that makes
him a thrilling player
to watch. There are
very few cricketers
who are his equal
in either respect.
With the ball, he
can unleash his deadly
'knuckle ball' which
mesmerises the opposition.
His ample girth makes
its hard for the opponents
to drive one past
him too.
While good performances
on the ground have
been commonplace,
'the fonz' has found
it hard to acclimitise
to his new surroundings
in London and has
been seen frequently
at 2 a.m. being consoled
by a chicken donor
and a mini cab driver
after another unsuccessful
night at Cafe Loco's. |