In a new series, The Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser are putting the heat on Grampians Cricket Association senior cricketers.
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Youth Club's captain Nic Baird was the first player to be put to the test.
We'll get back to the basics and an introduction, what's your cricket history?
I have been playing cricket since I was nine and I'm 27 now. I've played all my cricket for Youth Club except for four years at Mt Clear, Ballarat while I was at university.
Let's get down to figures, what's the best performance you've put in and as a batsman, your favourite shot?
I made 225 when I filled in for Navarre's B Grade side while I was still playing in Ballarat. My best for Youth Club was 196 which was last year. My favourite shot would have to be on drive.
What's something people might not know about you?
Some people might not know I'm a fantasy sports nerd.
Back to cricket - the funniest moment in your cricket career?
All I'll say is country week last year and waking up on the Thursday morning.
Every cricketer would have a top ten reel, but what's your favourite memory as a cricketer, in your junior and senior career?
The biggest highlight in junior's was winning back-to-back 16's premierships. My best senior moment would be from Ballarat - making a century and winning a grand final.
What are you reading or watching at the moment?
Currently stuck on South Park still - catching up and re-watching. Generally, I just watch the sports channels.
What's one piece of cricket advice you've been given which you pass on?
It's a line from Steve Maddocks; "as long as you have access to the ball you can hit it where ever you like".
There are many legends of the game in our region, who would you say is the best player you've played with?
If I could have two, I would say Nathan Yates from my playing days in Ballarat. He could both bat and bowl incredibly well. From Grampians, I would have to go with Rob Scott. Same thing, slightly different but both really good at their trades.
Who's your favourite cricketer?
Adam Gilchrist was always my favourite. He took the game on and changed Australian keeping and batting and may be set too high of a standard for us kids and now we're still looking for that next Gilly.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I'm ridiculously superstitious, everything I do with cricket is superstitious. From getting padded up to walking onto the ground, absolutely everything. Heaps would cover it - you wouldn't have the paper space to list them all.
What can someone expect to be dished up if they were coming to dinner at your house?
I would have to go with roast pork, roast veg and with a pretty good crackling, I have to say.
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