JESSE NEILL

LOCAL cricket sensation Jamie Diener has staked his claim for the 2020 Indoor Cricket World Cup with an impressive showing at the Trans-Tasman series in New Zealand last week.

The Sandy Creek all-rounder travelled to Palmerston North to represent the Australian Open Men’s team at the 2019 Trans-Tasman Indoor Cricket Test Series, which saw the green and gold sweep the Kiwis in all four divisions.

Diener said although the competition was incredibly challenging, he had gained a lot from the experience.

“I’ve played (indoor) cricket for a few years in the under 21 age group, however this was my first year in the open men’s,” he said.

“The intensity and all-round skill made it the hardest cricket I’ve ever played in my life.”

The men’s team won its first two matches against New Zealand 73-68 and 94-42.

With the Aussies looking dominant, the Kiwis caused an upset in the third match, winning 90-72.

The series was on the line in the fourth match, with New Zealand close to beating Australia before extremely disciplined bowling from the green and gold boys resulted in a two-run victory to the visitors.

Australia went on to win the series 3-2, with Diener playing in the last two matches.

He was one of two open men’s debutants for Australia, showcasing his potential ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“There’s so much stuff I need to work on to stay at that level,” he said.

“There’s around seven or eight countries coming to Australia to compete in the Indoor World Cup next year.

“Australia rarely loses the World Cup, so it’s going to be a hard team to get into.”