Jon Holland
YOUNG MEN IN A HURRY
Having not bowled a ball for almost six months, Jon Holland says his selection with the next intake of scholars for the Australian cricket Centre of Excellence came completely from left field.
"I thought I'd be forgotten, especially having not played all summer," he said. "It was a pleasant surprise for sure."
The 20-year-old left-arm finger spinner, billed as a future Pura Cup representative, is still recovering from a shoulder reconstruction and has been told not to bowl again until March 1.
"It's feeling good and I'd like to start again now, but I have to go with what the medicos say," he says.
Holland has been a regular watching-on at Carlton but says he will resist the urge to play in the final home-and-away rounds as he looks at the bigger picture and his stint in Brisbane.
"I can't say I have enjoyed watching on at all," he said.
"But this (selection) is a real silver lining for me. I didn't expect it at all."
Holland had played in England in the off season with the Crusaders, as well as turning out for the Tatts-Victorian Emerging Players team.
"It got a little bit sore when I was bowling in England. I kept bowling thinking it would go away but it didn't.
"I had some scans done here and they showed a tear. I tried to do some rehab and not get it done. But it went again on me bowling in the nets at Carlton. I had no choice then."
Holland will join Michael Hill and Matt Wade at the Centre and if his shoulder improves the way it has, he could find himself on a tour of India come late winter.
Originally from Dingley and Haileybury College, he played initially at Prahran and has had two seasons in the firsts at Carlton.
In five Victorian second XI games he has three five wicket hauls and has impressed Bushrangers' coach Greg Shipperd with his flight and head for the game.
"We have some very promising players in the squad and on our rookie list and Jon is certainly one of them," said Shipperd.
"Once he gets himself right again we really feel he can progress quickly and be a good player for us."
