All-rounder Will Sutherland was honoured to be named Victoria’s Sheffield Shield captain with Peter Handscomb away on Australia’s Test tour of India.
At just 23, the pace bowler has begun to make a name for himself on the domestic scene as he sits fourth on the wicket-taking list with 23 while also making his maiden first class century against South Australia.
The emerging leader says it’s “amazing” to follow in the footsteps of Victorian greats as he hopes to keep things simple with his leadership.
“It’s a massive honour,” Sutherland told SEN Breakfast.
“To be captain it’s pretty amazing, some of the names that have captained Victoria – our current one Peter Handscomb, Cameron White, Bill Lawry just to name a few – it means so much and I’m excited to lead the boys.
“With my captaincy style, Scotty Boland gave me some great advice he said, ‘Take care of your batting and bowling and leadership will take care of itself’.
“So, I think if I can continue to contribute and perform, that’s sort of all I really need to do to be honest, hopefully the boys can come with me.”
Sutherland’s captaincy nod has further proven to the youngster that he made the right choice in picking cricket over an AFL career as a teenager.
Rated as a potential first-round AFL pick in his under-18 season, Sutherland even garnered interest from multiple clubs including Collingwood last year who had reportedly hoped to sign the cricketer as a Category B rookie.
Sutherland says he originally chose cricket over football because of his love for the game and that continues now six years on from that big call.
“Definitely, I’ve really enjoyed the last few years,” Sutherland said.
“I’m potentially starting to justify the decision more recently.
“The reason I made the decision was pure enjoyment and love for the game over footy.
“That’s definitely come to fruition over the last few years.
“I’m loving my cricket and I hope that stays as long as possible.”
Sutherland will take charge of Victoria for the first time when they host Queensland in a Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG on Thursday.