TAREE Last Man Stands (LMS) cricketer Jonathon (JJ) Burton has been drafted into the Central Coast Chargers team to play in the inaugural Super Series at Sydney’s Centennial Park during the Australia Day long weekend.
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The 30-year-old wicket keeper/batsman was one of 54 players chosen for the six Super Series franchises from a pool of 140. Super Series winners will pocket $15,000 and also receive entry into the world championships to be played in Sydney next November.
LMS cricket is an eight-a-side T20 game, with some modifications. Burton stayed playing when it was introduced to the Manning by Trent Thompson back in 2015/16. Extensive records are kept on players’ performances in domestic competitions and tournaments and that’s how Burton made it into the 140 players available for selection in the Super Series. At one stage he had the fourth best batting average in the world.
“I honestly didn’t think I had a chance of being drafted,’’ Burton admitted.
Those in the draft had to lodge a $50 fee to cover the costs of uniform and also confirm their availability for the weekend.
“I paid the money because I figured I had nothing to lose – if I didn’t make a team I got the $50 back anyway,’’ Burton explained.
Burton said he wasn’t particularly nervous on draft night, believing he was no hope.
“A mate rang me and told me I’d missed the first round. Then he rang and said I’d been picked up in the fourth round. There were nine rounds, so I was in the top 24 players selected...I couldn’t believe it,’’ he said.
“I was shocked. Somebody must have seen me play and thought I had something to offer.’’
Simon Keen, who played in the BBL with the Sydney Sixes and Sydney Thunder, was Central Coast’s first pick, with current Australian LMS captain Sam Lang the second, so Burton’s in elite company.
There’ll be nine players in each squad along with a ‘secret weapon.’ Hayden Page, another Australian LMS representative, will be Central Coast’s secret weapon.
While players can bowl and wicket keep during an LMS game, Burton has nominated as exclusively as a keeper.
“If I have to bowl then we’re in serious trouble,’’ he laughed.
Players will meet on Friday January 25 in Sydney for training and a team bonding session before matches start on the Saturday and conclude on the Monday.
“From what I can see we have a pretty strong side,’’ Burton said.
“So I guess I’m a one-in-six chance of playing in the world champs.’’
Burton usually opens the batting or comes in at No 3.
He has one century (102) in LMS.
“Batsmen have to retire at 50 but can come in if all the other players are out,’’ he explained.
“So you don't get a chance to score a century that often.’’
He’s an advocate for LMS cricket.
“It’s played all year so it’s a great way to keep your eye in during winter,’’ Burton said.
He also play in the Mid North Coast Premier League cricket competition with Taree West.
“You can get a group of matches together and have a bit of fun. The games are as serious as you want to make them.
“Our games are played on Sunday and are all over in two hours – it’s a great concept,’’ Burton added.
