Albany cricket star rapt with Australian XI selection at Australian Country Cricket Championships

Albany cricketer Nathan Crudeli said it was a proud moment to be selected as an All-Australian for the second time after his superb performance at the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Canberra this month. Crudeli was previously selected as an All-Australian in Shepparton in 2019. The star all-rounder made 217 runs at an average of 36.2 and included a highest score of 71, earning the nod in the team of the tournament as a batsman. He also took four wickets from his 41 overs and had an economy rate of 3.9. The honour came alongside his brother and former Albany resident, Julian Crudeli, who now plays in the Bunbury and Districts competition. Julian Crudeli was also named the overall player of the tournament in the men’s competition. The All-Australian selection is the fourth time Julian has received the honour following his selection in Bunbury (2010), Wollongong (2017) and Toowoomba (2020). Julian finished the championships with 320 runs at 53.3, including a brilliant 98 on the opening day against the Australian Capital Territory. He also snared seven wickets at an average of 20.7 despite bowling only 30 overs. Bunbury and Districts player Cruize Ciallella earned his first All-Australian selection as a bowler with the second-highest wicket tally at the carnival. Ciallella took 13 wickets at 7.8 and had an economy rate of 2.6 in an outstanding return. Nathan Crudeli said while a slow start prevented them from finishing in top spot ahead of Victoria, the determination to bounce back from a tough spot showed great character. “Unfortunately, we left our run a little too late. We had a great back end of the tournament,” he said. “I thought the group showed great maturity and resilience to turn things around after going 0-2, which is a credit to the boys.” The Mt Barker talisman said the opportunity to accept the award alongside his brother was significant. “I’m really proud of my selection in the Australian XI, especially as it’s my first time as a bat, it was a special moment getting up on stage with my brother and accepting the acknowledgement together,” he said. Bulls captain Jeremy Wood took six wickets and made 45 runs across the week-long competition.