Met up with Alex on Saturday. He seems to be thriving at Northern Suburbs. Make no mistake, he is at a top quality Club with ambition to go much further. The facilities are excellent and their plans are grand indeed.

A huge new pavilion/ Clubhouse/ function room are all planned with the backing of Cricket Australia.

Al has worked his way up from the 3rd XI to the very young 2nd XI. He has barely failed and was characteristically disappointed with his 30 on Saturday.

The wicket they played on was rock hard and very green. It looked like a case of calling for Keggy, but I understand the ball doesn't do a lot. Whether the Groundsman would fancy 20 overs in 35° heat, before attending to the 3 other pitches at the ground is another matter.

Like everyone travelling to the other side of the world Al has had a couple of travails. Like everyone else he has 'sorted them out'. It's all part of the experience and can only make you stronger.

Al should be proud of his accomplishments and I'm sure there will be more to come. So far so good!

Go Northern Suburbs!