CRICKET

By TOM HAYES

 

LATROBE Valley cricket export Nicole Faltum has started her latest season in the Women’s National Cricket League.

The former Morwell and Trafalgar cricketer was again announced as captain of Victoria for the campaign, which began last Friday (October 4).

Speaking to media before Victoria played its first game against New South Wales, Faltum touched on multiple topics from state duties to club goals to her personal aspirations.

“It’s obviously been quite a long preseason for us girls down here, just so excited to kick things off on Friday (October 4) and Sunday (October 6), it feels like a long time coming,” Faltum said.

“My goal this season is just to be a consistent performer for Victoria… I want to be someone who goes out and leads from the front… all that other stuff will take care of itself.”

Faltum led the Victoria girls out for their first game of the season last Friday (October 4), taking to Sydney’s North Sydney Oval for the first of two games against New South Wales.

The Vics won the first game by two wickets with one ball remaining. Faltum took three catches with the gloves, and made 68 striking at more than 70.

Faltum’s team repeated the dose, winning the second game by 29 runs. The Vics posted 259, although Faltum managed just 10 opening up.

Faltum had no major part in the second innings with no catches, but her teammates raised the bar and got the team home safely.

Victoria is currently fourth on the WNCL league table, but the three teams ahead have played two extra games. A positive net run rate of 0.328 will hold them in good stead if they win their games in hand.

After just two games into the season, Faltum and Victoria will be relived of their WNCL duties, in preparation for the Women’s Big Bash League, which commences on October 27.

Faltum will be suiting up for the Melbourne Renegades, after an off-season move from the Melbourne Stars. She was previously captain of the Stars, but now joins the side that gave her, her start.

“I started there for WBBL02, I was a rookie, so I got a little taste of it then,” Faltum said.

“I’m obviously so grateful for my time at the Stars, I got some incredible exposure and experience there, but I can’t wait to get going in the Big Bash for the Renegades this year.”