1. George Horlin-Smith (VC)
Perhaps the Cats most credentialed cricketer, George Horlin-Smith will be the opener and take the first ball too. Composed, tough and skillful Horlin-Smith’s football characteristics translate beautifully to cricket. We’ve made him vice-captain but Horlin-Smith could easily be the skipper mainly due to the fact he captained the Australian U16 cricket team in the West Indies! He made 184 for South Australia in the U18 national championships as well.
Who would he play like? Michael Clarke
2. Tom Hawkins
At the non-strikers end to Horlin-Smith would be the big man Tom Hawkins. Big, imposing and would give the ball a mighty whack, Hawkins would be the perfect foil to Horlin-Smith’s methodical play. Good luck to the bowler that tries to intimidate him too. Expect to see Hawkins fielding at second slip when the side is bowling.
Who would he play like? Matthew Hayden
3. Jimmy Bartel (C)
The captain of the side and first drop is none other than Jimmy Bartel. Much like the football field, on the pitch Bartel would be phenomenal. Whether you need him to make some quick runs or steady the ship, he’d come through with the goods. Prior to being drafted by the Cats, Bartel was a prodigious cricketer and was picked in numerous representative sides.
Who would he play like? Steve Waugh
4. Joel Selwood
The kid that can do everything was always going to find his way into the XI. Selwood the cricketer would take everything in his stride. He wouldn’t flinch at bouncers, could dig out yorkers and would have no problem shaking off a stray throw at the stumps that clipped him. When the side called for someone to come in and field at silly mid on or bat pad, Selwood would be the first to put his hand up.
Who would he play like? Allan Border
5. Corey Enright
Corey Enright would be as wily and as devastating on the cricket pitch as he would the football field. If the side was 3/10 and he came in you would breathe a sigh of relief. He would defend his wicket like nothing else. He’s the kind of player you’d want in with a few overs left and a decent score to chase. Clutch.
Who would he play like? Michael Bevan
6. Josh Caddy
Josh Caddy would be the modern day cricketer. Hard hitting, dance down the crease, take on the bowler kind of player. Each week would be a contest with himself to see how big a six he could hit. Although probably better suited to the short form of the game, Caddy would be win at all cost in all formats. When bowling you’d stick him in point and watch him get the run outs and amazing catches.
Who would he play like? Aaron Finch
7. Andrew Mackie (wk)
The most feared task the opposition would have when coming out to bat against the Cats XI would be to be at the crease with Andrew Mackie behind you with the gloves on. Mackie’s quick wit, cutting jibes and bubbly personality has him perfectly suited to the role. No problems trusting him with the willow either with his long hitting a highlight of his game.
Who would he play like? Adam Gilchrist
8. Harry Taylor
The side’s all rounder would be none other than Harry Taylor. Devastating with his medium-fast balls and technically perfect with the bat. Taylor would also be the player who brought zinc back into cricket. With his long strides, he’d be an exceptional fielder in the deep stopping balls headed for the boundary and taking running catches.
Who would he play like? Shane Watson
9. Steve Johnson
There is only one spot for this mercurial footballer and that is as the Cats mercurial spin bowler. Doozras, top spinners, flippers you name it, Stevie J would pull it out. Before he even began his run up Johnson would already have the batsman guessing what was to come. When not bowling, Johnson would take up his spot at first slip where he would happily heckle the batsman alongside wicketkeeper Mackie.
Who would he play like? Shane Warne
10. Jordan Murdoch
Tall, fast and accurate sums up Jordan Murdoch the Cats fast bowler. A long run up followed by ripping in some left arm swing bowling. The Cats would employ the long slip cordon with Murdoch firing them in. Paramount to the Cats bowling attack.
Who would he play like? Shaun Tait
11. Dawson Simpson
Harkening back to the good old days of the Western Indian side having multiple 2m plus players, big Dawson Simpson is the Cats number 11. Thumping down medium-fast balls from his massive height would have the opposition giving away their wickets. Don’t rely on him for the runs though. A well place yorker would just about get him every time!
Who would he play like? Tom Moody
12th man - Billy Brownless
Who better to be providing the drinks then “Mr Froffy” himself Billy Brownless. When called upon to field, Brownless would be out on the fence chatting with fans and leading impromptu stretching exercises. The funny thing is that Brownless was a very very good cricketer as a youngster even filling in for the Victorian Sheffield Shield side as 12th man whilst dominating Victorian district cricket.
Who would he play like? Merv Hughes
