Sean Kruger - the winning feeling playing for Queensland is addictive
Queensland Veterans Cricket | October 24, 2024
Sean Kruger is the team mate every want to play with. He brings energy, fun and an infectious competitive spirit.
Sean has represented Queensland Veterans Over 50s cricket for a number of years now and is a proud Queenslander and team mate.
Let’s find out more about Sean’s journey in the game
What year you were born?
8th September 1970
Can you remember you first game of cricket?
Eight Mile Plains State School Grade 6 – I opened the batting and got a few away
Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey?
After my junior years I gave the game away but then started playing again in my mid 20s with a team called The Funky Miller Squad, Indooroopilly Diggers Cricket Club. I now play for Sandgate- Redcliffe Gators Over 50s in Brisbane and have played Queensland Veterans Over 50s cricket
In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?
Funky Miller Squad B3 Warehouse cricket when I was 26
What was the highest grade you played in senior cricket and can you remember how you performed on debut?
A1 warehouse cricket in Brisbane – I was the floating pinch hitter and bowled well and excelled in the field
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Specialist fielder, second to third change medium pace, floating pinch hitter.
What were your strengths as a player?
Being the energy for the team and at times and an uncanny knack to be able to change the outcomes of cricket games.
What’s been your highest score in senior cricket?
61 for Indooroopilly Diggers Cricket Club during the 2020/21 summer season.
What’s been your best bowling figures in senior cricket?
4 for 9 off 6 overs for Sandgate--Redcliffe Over 40's
Who have been the best three fast bowlers you have played against?
Paul Stenhouse - gives you no width
Tom Radcliffe - left arm quick and his inswinger is hard to hit
Shaun O’Reily - lot of lift off the deck
Who have been the best three spinners you have played against?
Trent Ryan - puts it on a dime all the time
Garry Eismenmenger - killer turner of the ball and a great wrongun
Conor Kirby Smith – leggy, big turn er of the ball.
Who have been the best 3 batsman you’ve played against?
Andrew Knight - works with intent to score
Darren Poole – whacks you wherever he wants
Andrew Kratzman - discipline with intent
Who has played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Andrew Reddich backs against the wall innings but supportive innings. He scored quickly as well, and it was a big win in Caboolture.
Was there any bowler or batsman in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?
Gordon Benedict John - bowling and batting was so competitive
Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in senior cricket?
My first Cooper Finlay tournament for Queensland against New South Wales. I got touched up big time by NSW and sat in my hotel room kicking a lot of stuff. I had to decide - leave the game or get better. I got busy getting better.
Sean is in the back row three in from the right. Queensland Over 50s Gold team that defeated NSW Blues by 5 runs
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Darren Cox - great hands and fights to the end
Who are the two players you admired most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Mark Kraztmann - quietly goes about his craft with utter perfection.
Shane Riley - the freedom to believe in his ability is freakish
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Andrew Knight great tactically pushes hard and always goes for the win
What are the two attributes of a captain you admire most?
Calmness and gives you your job description for that game or series.
Who has been your funniest team mate?
William Barrett - true loose human
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Giving Jeff Mays from Toowoomba a serve. I said don't go hitting S Kruger. Next thing you know he's named in the same Queensland over 50s team as me. We still giggle about it today.
What was your most embarrassing dismissal in senior cricket?
I left a ball on a length in a semi final. Even the bowler said you've been seeing the so well.
Who was your childhood hero?
Andrew Symonds
Who are the three sports people in the world you’d most like to meet?
Greg Norman, Ivan Lendl. Michael Jordan
Greg Norman
Who’s your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud
What was your favourite ground to play at?
Peninsula Cricket Club Redcliffe
You’re now playing over 50s cricket, what’s the best part of playing veterans cricket and what advice would you offer anyone over 50 who is thinking about playing again?
The best thing is the banter, and the great giggles and mates become family. The best advice would be to come and join the Cricket Men’s Shed
You’re a proud Queenslander and have represented Queensland Over 50s cricket teams, what does it mean to you personally to represent your state?
The more I wear the Maroon colours the more it hurts when we lose. But when we win the feeling becomes more addictive.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?
The Hand of God catch against South Australia when I caught Anthony Telfer at point. Now we’re family through cricket and great mates
What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?
Division 4 Nationals Championships in Melbourne in 2023-24 - what an amazing final and week
Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?
Dave Munro, Matt Behan, Michael Hooper. All were groomsmen at my wedding
What are your hobbies?
Surfing, golf, tennis
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Your best friends you can count on one hand.
What’s your occupation?
Semi-retired drive Uber to keep busy
Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?
I’m on the Board of Indooroopilly Diggers Cricket Club. I'm called the enforcer. Enforcing through love to pay your game fees and be a good bloke and good clubmen.
If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?
Cricketers’ hotline - this can be for anything mental and financial help and even direction for cricket and finding a club.
Cricket camps for young players heading away together to develop teamwork, mateship and a love for the game.
