mmg.com.au

Flying under the radar has not been a easy task for talented Shepparton cricketer Alex Keath.

However, he managed to do just that, despite making his domestic one-day debut for Victoria against South Australia on Saturday night.

Most of the national media attention was reserved for the eye-catching performances of fellow Bushrangers debutants Andrew Fekete and Clive Rose, but Keath’s debut was no less significant.

Long touted as a potential Australian star, the 20-year-old all-rounder’s development has been hindered by a serious knee injury.

The match was Keath’s fourth for Victoria this season, having made three appearances in the Sheffield Shield, and he was pleased to finally be moving forward after spending 18 months on the sidelines.

‘‘It was a great feeling, I’ve been 12th man a couple of times, but to make my debut on the MCG was brilliant,’’ Keath said.

‘‘I’ve started bowling again now, which I was struggling to do with the knee injury, so I just need to start building that back up again.’’

Keath played a nominal role in Victoria’s loss — he was run out for five and did not bowl — but the fact he was on the field was major positive.

Given his injury troubles, Keath has been eased back into the fold and that was perhaps part of the reason for his limited involvement on Saturday night.

While disappointed not to get a chance to show his wares with the ball, Keath said he understood his role and rued not making more of his opportunity with the bat.

His time at the crease came to an end, when a mix up with partner Peter Hanscomb resulted in both batsmen ending up at the same end.

‘‘Simon Helmot the one-day coach is good with communication and (before the match) he talked to me about having a different role to what I’m used to,’’ Keath said.

‘‘He said I would be batting down at number eight and my medium pace (bowling) might be used if needed... I knew I might not be required, so I just worked hard to try and contribute to the team in the field.

‘‘It’s never nice to be run out, but I made a poor mistake and I just have to wear that.

‘‘I’m pretty tall, so I’m a bit like a ship when I turn and it’s hard when I get sent back.’’

Victoria’s one-day domestic may have come to an end, but there remains ‘‘plenty of cricket left to be played’’, according to Keath.

As well as several Sheffield Shield matches, one second XI match and a futures league match remaining for Victoria this season, Keath will also look to finish his season on high for Premier Cricket club Melbourne.

‘‘Hopefully I can get through all that and build towards next season,’’ Keath said.