New Zealand Croatia Cricket is thrilled that our young Waitakere rep Ben Lister has been contracted to the Auckland Aces for the first time for the 2017/18 season. Yet to be capped for Auckland, the call-up means Ben earns his maiden professional retainer and one of the 15 top spots in the Aces 2017/18 squad!
Ben was born in West Auckland on New Year's Day in 1996 and his great-grandfather Victor Grbic hails from Zivogosce. Both Ben and his younger brothers Victor and Mate have all represented New Zealand Croatia over the past two seasons, a highly talented trio from Waitakere and Liston College.
Ben has impressed in six appearances for Auckland A over the past two summers at NZC's national Provincial A tournament in Lincoln, and cuts a shape at some six foot three inches tall: an athletic left-arm medium quick and a very elegant right-hand batsman who always looks like he has time.
Aces Head Coach Mark O’Donnell commented that “Ben is an exciting prospect and has been on the radar for a while. Being a left-armer gives him a natural point of difference to most bowlers and we are looking forward to working with him more closely.
“Ben offers some natural pace and natural bounce, he needs a good Strength & Conditioning programme to set him in good stead for the season. Based on last year, and BLACKCAPS’ availability, we will have to rotate through our seamers so there’s an opportunity for him.”
All of which sounds exceptionally promising for a first-class debut for Ben this season! AWESOME news, shot Waitakere and congrats from all of us Ben!!!
Ben was born in West Auckland on New Year's Day in 1996 and his great-grandfather Victor Grbic hails from Zivogosce. Both Ben and his younger brothers Victor and Mate have all represented New Zealand Croatia over the past two seasons, a highly talented trio from Waitakere and Liston College.
Ben has impressed in six appearances for Auckland A over the past two summers at NZC's national Provincial A tournament in Lincoln, and cuts a shape at some six foot three inches tall: an athletic left-arm medium quick and a very elegant right-hand batsman who always looks like he has time.
Aces Head Coach Mark O’Donnell commented that “Ben is an exciting prospect and has been on the radar for a while. Being a left-armer gives him a natural point of difference to most bowlers and we are looking forward to working with him more closely.
“Ben offers some natural pace and natural bounce, he needs a good Strength & Conditioning programme to set him in good stead for the season. Based on last year, and BLACKCAPS’ availability, we will have to rotate through our seamers so there’s an opportunity for him.”
All of which sounds exceptionally promising for a first-class debut for Ben this season! AWESOME news, shot Waitakere and congrats from all of us Ben!!!