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Mariners pair play major T20 roles

Joe SarseroMandurah Coastal Times

The Mariners’ 2009-10 Twenty20 title teammates soaked up the Perth celebrations after the 39-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at the WACA Ground last Friday night.

Whiteman (21), a regular in WA’s senior teams over the past two seasons, found his way into the Scorchers line-up in the last Champions Trophy match in India and with 51 on T20 debut against Mumbai Indians, did not look back.

The young wicketkeeper is earning plaudits around the country for his composure in difficult situations. Whiteman’s clean hands during BBL 03 netted four stumpings with four catches as he handled the tricky Brad Hogg with aplomb.

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Whiteman made his presence felt with the bat earlier in the tournament.

Craig Simmons, a member of Rockingham-Mandurah’s inaugural A-grade side 14 years ago, bludgeoned the fastest-ever BBL century against the Strikers. His 102 off 39 deliveries saved his spot in the line-up, potentially catapulting him to an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract.

The IPL auction will take place this week and all eight teams will be thinking about taking on the 31-year-old, originally from Safety Bay Junior Cricket Club.

Whiteman will be back in the creams for the Western Warriors while Simmons is likely to be back for the Mariners on Saturday against South Perth at Lark Hill, helping the club attempt to chase down the visitors’ 333.At 0/9, the Mariners have the firepower to chase down Souths’ total.

Third grade, a game outside the six, made 214 and had South Perth 2-34 at stumps. Richard Dawkins’ 4-50 helped dismiss South Perth’s fours for 207 but at 2-17, the Mariners will need to re-build.