Southern Smash: Rising WA star Corey Wasley out of Albany’s T20 slam, Bryce Jackson among replacement players

Rising star Corey Wasley’s selection in the Australian under-19 squad ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, will rob the Southern Smash of one of its brightest young talents. The batting prodigy from Rockingham-Mandurah was one of two WA players named by Cricket Australia earlier this month ahead of the World Cup in South Africa that starts on January 19. Wasley, who has previously played in the Smash, was a retained player for the Camtrans Bulldogs going into the fifth edition of regional WA’s premier T20 tournament in Albany. The attacking left-hander blasted 256 runs at 42.67 in six innings for WA in the recent national championships, helping secure selection in the 15-player Australian squad alongside State contracted quick Mahli Beardman who hails from Melville. National commitments have ruled Wasley out of the Smash on December 29 and 30. It is a bitter blow for the Bulldogs’ hopes and disappointment for the competition overall. Wasley is one of two changes already for the Bulldogs from their initial side chosen on draft night. Rockingham-Mandurah’s Albert Esterhuysen, who was taken by the Bulldogs with pick 16, has also withdrawn. Belgium young gun Burhan Niaz and Rockingham-Mandurah fast bowler Jye Donald are the two replacements for the Bulldogs. Despite the loss of one of WA’s brightest stars, the Smash has been boosted by the late inclusion of a WA men’s contracted player – with homegrown talent Bryce Jackson returning home. Jackson is a replacement for the Elders Avengers as he continues his comeback from a troublesome back injury. The fast bowler is among two changes for the Avengers after Fremantle’s Michael Dawson who was taken with pick nine and Fremantle’s Darin Jayaprakash (pick 33) withdrew. Jackson is a quality inclusion for the Avengers along with experienced all-rounder Fraser Hay. The other change to selected teams has been with reigning champions the Inswing Ignition. Albany-raised wicketkeeper-batter Aidan Dallimore replaces local batter Seb Stanton (pick 42) as the Ignition chase a fourth successive title. The six franchise teams will do battle on Friday and Saturday next week for the 2023 Southern Smash title.