Seb Gotch

Having started off as a footballer, Sebastian Edward Gotch switched to cricket whilst in his early teens, and exhibited an aptitude for the game straightaway in junior cricket. He eventually paved his way through grade cricket and was eventually named captain of the Australian U-19 side, where he played alongside Ashton Agar and Cameron Bancroft . He played just 3 games and scored 127 runs, before being picked for the Cricket Australia XI in the BBQ Matador Cup.

He made the cut for Sheffield Shield in the 2016/17 season and had a modest season, scoring 171 runs in 4 games. He exhibited his ability to perform on the big stage when he forged a 139-run partnership with a lower-order batsman James Pattinson, and a 79-run partnership with Dan Christian, which proved to be pivotal in Victoria's title defence in the 2016/17 season; their third in succession. Gotch did have a dismal start to the 2017/18 Sheffield season, scoring just one run in 3 innings, but managed to redeem himself, scoring a 98 against Western Australia.

He soon made his debut in the 2016/17 season of the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Stars as well. His gritty 30 on debut was lauded even by purists because he played with the kind of grit that is seldom found in the modern T20 batsman. The Stars lost to the Perth scorchers in the semi-final, but Gotch shone again with a 48 in this game and left his mark once again on the big occasion.

With Australia desperately seeking a long-term wicketkeeper batsman, Gotch's penchant for performing on the big stage and his air-tight technique and acrobatic wicketkeeping skills might earn him a call-up as soon as he can notch up bigger numbers. He already seems to have the temperament for the highest level, having shown maturity beyond his years while batting in the 2016/17 final of the Sheffield Shield. He has accomplished the difficult part of his task, and just needs to pile up some three-figure scores now - for which he certainly possesses the essentials.

He is only 24 right now, and has had a steep upward performance curve until now. One good Sheffield season with the bat and he gets that much closer to earning himself the coveted Baggy Green.

Interesting Facts

Gotch is caught the eye of the cricketing fraternity for one of his more apparent idiosyncrasies: using short-sleeves while keeping wickets rather than the traditional long sleeves.

Gotch is a talented athlete, having played football for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup.

by Rishi Roy

As of December 2017