When a young bowler is put in the same bracket as Tim Southee, Adam Milne and Corey Anderson, you know he’s someone to watch out for.
This is the situation for promising Cantabrian Fraser Sheat. The right-arm quick follows in the footsteps of several BLACKCAPS in winning the Geoffrey Palmer Cup.
Southee, Milne and Anderson all won the MVP award during their respective First XI Cup tournaments, while Sheat was named MVP for the most recent version of the First XI Cup, in December.
Sheat was a pivotal cog in the impressive Christchurch Boys’ High School line-up during their Secondary Schools First XI Cup victory.
The tournament began in the best possible way, after Sheat took four wickets during a seven-wicket win over Otago Boys’ High School.
However, Sheat’s biggest test came during the clash between CBHS and St Kentigern in a tournament-defining match.
Although, Sheat didn’t have his best performance, he still managed to hold his nerve and take the ninth wicket with St Kent’s edging towards a win.
The right-arm quick finished the tournament as the top wicket taker and was crowned the tournament MVP after leading the CBHS bowling attack to another national title.
Fraser Sheat lifting the Geoffrey Palmer Cup after being crowned the MVP. Photo: photosport.co.nz
His coach, Mark Lane, described the young talent as one to watch.
“He’s got hunger, he’s got talent. His work ethic, you can’t fault it. The boys got it, he knows has to take his opportunities and keep working.”
Canterbury selected Sheat for the U-19 National Tournament and while things did not go plan for the side from the Garden City, Sheat managed a handy eight wickets during the tournament.
Domestic cricket opportunities will be his next goal, and Sheat got a glimpse of the level he needs to be during his time with Canterbury A during the Domestic A tournament.
However, Sheat will remember this summer for his performances during the First XI Cup. It was the school’s ninth First XI Cup win and shortly after winning the historic competition Sheat described the win as, “Amazing, after losing it last year, it’s just an unreal feeling. A year’s worth of work has paid off, unbelievable.”
Watch below to see The Cricket Show's story on the First XI Cup.
