Southern Smash: WA Premier Cricket star Will Bosisto itching to be part of Albany’s marquee T20 competition

WA run machine Will Bosisto says his passion for cricket and being part of a competition that is gathering rapid momentum was the reason he signed up for Albany’s Southern Smash. Bosisto was taken as the No.1 pick in this year’s draft for the marquee T20 tournament, which puts international and State players up against some of the best city and country cricketers WA has to offer. Surgery on a broken wrist forced Bosisto to withdraw from the Smash last year but the WA Premier Cricket star was snapped up first by the Albany Finance Fury on Monday night and he is itching to be part of regional WA’s premier T20 competition. “I’m a hugely passionate cricketer,” he said. “Any opportunity I get to play, I try to take it with both hands. “There is a nice window with a break from premier cricket and as desperately as I’d love to be playing in the BBL that looks unlikely. “So the opportunity to play in the Smash was there and I love that part of the world. “I love spending time on the south coast so what a great chance this is for me to get down there and play some good cricket.” The former WA and South Australia batter and Australian under-19 captain was among a star-studded first round of selections that included former Big Bash League spinner Liam O’Connor and English Test keeper James Bracey. “It was really cool, I tuned in and watched the stream,” Bosisto said. “A good mate of mine in Nathan Crosby was picked up by the same team so it will be great to play alongside him. “I won’t have seen a lot of the local players but there are some quality cricketers there. “Plus the international experience with guys like Dilshan, so it’s just a great chance to play more good cricket and I can’t wait. “Obviously T20 cricket is about entertainment, fast-paced action, so I’m hoping to enjoy the few days, meet some new people and excited to meet the team.” Bosisto is part of a new-look Fury side, who went winless in 2022, with experienced top order Albany and Districts player Alex Fergie taking the reins as skipper. Under competition rules each of the six franchise teams can retain four players from the previous tournament. Joondalup’s Garrick Morgan and Claremont-Nedlands’ Luke Gollan were retained by the Fury along with Fergie and ex-first grade player Michael Ferreira who is back home in Albany. The Fury also snared Australian underage representative Luke Holt in their draft selections. The fifth edition of the Southern Smash, which will again feature Sri Lankan champion Tillakaratne Dilshan, will be played in Albany on December 29 and 30.