Southern Smash player of the tournament James Bracey declares competition “great advert” for cricket

Southern Smash player of the tournament, player of the final and England Test-capped James Bracey insists this year’s tournament was a “great advert” for Albany cricket after his stellar series led the Edlers Avengers to their second Smash title. Bracey scored three half-centuries throughout the tournament at an average of 54.25, including his sublime matchwinning knock of 60 in the grand final against Inswing Ignition. The wicketkeeper-bat has played three Test matches for England and currently plays for University in the WA Premier Cricket league. The former Test cricketer said the standard of competition is a testament to the quality of Albany cricket. “I absolutely loved it and I’ve been really impressed with the whole comp and the facilities,” Bracey said. “It’s been a great standard and I’ve played a bit of a premier cricket this year so it’s good to see a lot of those guys down. “But the local guys down here have really impressed me and there’s been some bowlers that I’ve been extremely impressed with facing them.” Bracey was selected by Elders with pick No.3 in the Smash draft and said he was happy he was able to contribute to his team’s success. “It’s the first draft I’ve ever really been in and with a draft there’s sort of a bit of a price on you as well so it’s nice to come and do well with the bat,” he said. “I’m really looking to improve my T20 game and I haven’t been keeping much in Perth so I’ve loved going up to stumps again. “I love just playing at the moment because back home it’s cold, miserable and wet. “So coming over here has been brilliant and nice to refine some form and hopefully I can take it back home with me.” While being the most experienced cricketer in the team, Bracey insisted he was happy to let the team leaders take the reins on-field. “The guys on our team have been have been brilliant,” he said. “I’ve helped out a bit but the guys out there really know what they’re doing. “Woody (Jeremy Wood) and Whit (Jacob Whiteaker) in particular led that, so it was great to be able to sit back and unfold.” Inswing were chasing their fourth straight Smash title but were downed by the Avengers in the decider by 26 runs. “I’ve heard big things about them (Ignition) so we’re expecting a big match and you can see why they’ve won it the last three years,” he said. “They’ve got some very good cricketers in that team and they know how to play the game so it was great to get passed them.”