ADCA 2023-24: Six international players join new clubs ahead of exciting new A-grade season

The Albany and Districts Cricket Association will be full of international talent this summer with a host of international players coming out to play in the 2023-24 season that begins on Saturday. Manypeaks, Railways and Royals will all field one international player in their A-grade teams while Collingwood Park will host two overseas players. The ADCA granted a special request from Park to field two overseas players in the same team — with Cameron Jones and Sam Keeling-Wright both signing for the club. Mt Barker will have a player from overseas join their club but he is a dual citizen and will not fall under the same rules. The Lions have recruited Middlesex all-rounder Rhys Lewis, the Tigers have singed Worcestershire all-rounder Joe Stanley and Peaks have bowler Ben Southern join their club. Jones is an exciting fast bowler who made his first-class debut for Worcestershire in the One Day Cup this year. The 18-year-old also played for the England Young Lions in a recent clash against Ireland’s under-19 team. Park’s second overseas player is right-arm seamer Keeling-Wright who is from Old Hill Cricket Club in the Birmingham & District Premier League. Like Jones, Lions all-rounder Lewis has played for England’s Young Lions team and is a Middlesex academy player. The 19-year-old is a right-handed batter and bowls off-spin and played second XI cricket for Middlesex this year. Stanley will be a key addition to the Tigers line-up, the 18-year-old is the captain of the Worcestershire academy team. He is a strong left-handed batter and bowls off-spin. Southern will be a vital addition to a young Peaks side and the 23-year-old seamer hails from Oakham Cricket Club. The Bulls have recruited Jack Pope from Penkridge Cricket Club, the youngster with a local connection to Mt Barker. ADCA president Ryan Kinnear said it was fantastic to have so many overseas players joining the competition. “It really does add that extra flavour to the competition,” he said. “Clubs are showing intent in getting overseas players to come out which is great. “This is a great way to bring quality players in, not only to boost their teams but to help younger players out and the clubs in general. “It will really help strengthen our competition.” The new ADCA season begins on Saturday.