Cricket: Subiaco Floreat stalwart Malcolm passes batting milestone but realises end could be near

SUBIACO Floreat Cricket Club stalwart Alex Malcolm scored his 5000th Premier Cricket run last Saturday in what could be his last season.

The former club captain was unaware of the 5000-run milestone but said the figure was a proud accomplishment that took more than a decade to achieve.

“It is a nice milestone to achieve, but probably more an indication that I’ve played for a long time,” he said.

“I will be proud of that when I finish up but I am the type of guy who thinks he could have done a little bit better or done a little bit more.”

Malcolm, who has won three premierships, had one of his greatest moments in 2011, when the opener guided his beloved Subiaco Floreat side to one-day and two-day flags, with scores of 128 and 86 showcasing the opener’s class in high pressure situations.

The former WA Second XI player said he felt less pressure in finals, with the opportunity to perform on the big stage enough motivation to make every run count.

“Once you know you can do it in big finals and big moments to help your team win big games, you don’t have any fear or doubts about your ability,” Malcolm said.

“I have really enjoyed those bigger games. I almost felt less pressure in those games then perhaps games against teams down the bottom or on flat wickets in the middle of January.

“You’ve got nothing to lose in a final, but you learn from experience, I failed in some finals early on in my career, I got better the longer I went.”

Malcolm has become one of the most consistent performers in the competition, crediting his preparation and mindset to forging a career as a top-order batsman.

“The older you get and the longer you play, the better you get at preparing,” he said.

“You learn that there are a lot of things as an opening batsman that are out of your control, the only thing you can control is your preparation and mindset.

“I have certainly got better at making sure I am in the right frame of mind, no matter what the surface or where we are placed in the game.

“It is something that takes a long time and I wish I had learnt it earlier.”

Malcolm will likely finish his cricketing days as a one-club player, beginning his allegiance with Subiaco Floreat in 1996, moving from junior cricket through to the senior ranks.

“Subiaco is my home,” he said.

“I love the place and I love the club, some of my best mates have come from the club.

“I started playing Inverarity Shield there, so nearly 20 years I have been associated with the club.

“The guys that were at my wedding 18 months ago, a large majority are from the club and I count them as close friends

“It’s a special place. I am really proud to be a part of it and proud to represent and play there for so long.”