QUEENSLAND skipper Jimmy Peirson is adamant former teammate Ben McDermott is ready to feature in Australia’s limited overset-up this summer after his composed century guided Tasmania to a JLT Cup victory over the Bulls in Townsville on Saturday.
The 23-year-old, who joined Tasmania from Queensland in 2015, has established a reputation as a destructive hitter in the big Bash League with Hobart Hurricanes.
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But he displayed great maturity at Riverway Stadium on Saturday, helping anchor the innings after opening partner Matthew Wade was dismissed early.
With Australia stars Steve Smith and David Warner sidelined for the summer, Peirson believes McDermott is in the mix to take advantage and wear the green and gold for the first time.
His record in Tweny20 cricket is exceptional, averaging nearly 35 at a strike rate of 146.
“He’s a very good player, especially against the white ball,” Peirson said.
“We’ve played a lot of cricket together and it’s fantastic to see how he’s going.
“Opportunities (in the Australia side) are there, so I don’t see why not if he keeps scoring runs. Big runs in big moments can get you in that side.
“He’s putting good numbers on the board and has done well in T20 cricket for a couple of years now, a brutal player who can hit the ball hard.”
McDermott shed around nine kilograms over the off season and believes it will help him put together more longer innings.
Tasmania won both games in Townsville this week, while the Bulls are winless after two narrow defeats.
“I feel much better at the crease and in the field, I feel a lot lighter,” McDermott said.
“It’s always good to start well but these competitions are about peaking at the right time.”
