Leg spinner Tyler Abley, who played Corowa A Grade last Saturday, is also playing with Northcote in Victoria’s Under 18’s Premier League in season 2024/25.
He has played two of the league’s nine games this season, taking 1/13 from five overs and 2/18 off 10 which equals 3/31 from his 15 overs – they’re good and economical figures.
The smart aspect about the youngster’s bowling is his variation in pace which keeps batsmen on their toes. With the bat, and batting low for Northcote – the home of former Australian Test captain Bill Lawry - Tyler hasn’t put a foot wrong, with an unbeaten three and wasn’t required to bat in his second match.
Tyler’s line, spin and variation obviously impressed state selectors as all but two Northcote players reside in Melbourne.
“It’s some achievement to be picked in the state’s premier league,” Corowa Cricket Club President Paul Lavis told The Free Press.
“Tyler is a good young leggie and is destined to have a good future.”
The Corowa High School Year 11 student loves his cricket and appreciates the advice and encouragement from Corowa Cricket Club’s leaders. “Yeah, Ben Mitchell and ‘Pump’ (Daniel Athanitis) are good. I can’t bat much.”
The club’s dynamic allrounder captain Mitchell is very excited about Tyler’s cricket. “He’s definitely the most promising of our local juniors. It’s not easy breaking into our A Grade team but he would have played more games if not for his state duties,” Ben said, on the eve of Tyler’s selection in A Grade.
“He certainly has the capacity to be out front-line spinner with us oldies protecting him when required. And he’s being modest when he says he can’t bat much.”
Tyler has bowled leg spin since as long as he can remember. His Dad, Chris Abley, played C Grade for Corowa. “He reckons he’s better than me!” the son said. “But I reckon I’m better now!” The Free Press says there’s a difference between C and A Grades.
Before he knew of his A Grade selection last Thursday evening, Tyler said his aim in cricket was to keep improving, play the highest level possible and that included A Grade at Corowa.
And, older Abley as to who’s better, what’s more is that last Saturday, at Tallangatta, junior got his first wickets in A Grade, taking 3/23 from seven overs, all high order batsmen.
