Cricketer balances study and battles Poms

Management student and first grade swing bowler Adam Ritchard is another example of University of Canberra student athletes making a mark in their chosen sport, writes Jason Tozer

Mr Ritchard made short work of England's tail enders at last month's PM's XI

1 December 2006: From Steve Harmison's wayward opening ball of the first Ashes test there might have been a few cricket fans around the campus who fancied their chances against England, but student Adam Ritchard has already played the Ashes holders and won.

In between classes for his Bachelor of Management Mr Ritchard, 19, plays first grade cricket for Tuggeranong, represents Canberra with the Comets and   last month he was picked to play England with the Prime Minister's XI (PM's XI).

Mr Ritchard has been playing grade cricket for four years and says planning ahead and good time management not only balances it with his studies but allows him to excel in both.

"At the start of each semester I'll get the unit outline and work out what's due when and if I have an assignment due around a game I'll work hard to get it in before hand," he said.

"Second semester it's a lot harder because you have more training and preparation for cricket around university but I've found it's not too bad if I work steadily throughout the semester."

Mr Ritchard's success with the Canberra Comets saw him selected to take on England at Manuka Oval earlier this month with the PM's XI.

"Each year when the side is picked they choose a Comets player to give some exposure to the team and experience to the player," he said.

"Playing England was a great experience, especially at this time with all the hype surrounding the Ashes and this being their first tour match."

Mr Ritchard helped to bowl out the Englishmen, bowling well to top order batsmen Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood and helping to clean up the tail end removing James Anderson leg before and Monty Panesar caught by Cameron White.

"It was a bit nerve racking to come on and bowl when I did as the field was spread and Strauss was smashing it about but it was nice to get a couple of wickets," he said.

Mr Ritchard finished with figures of 2 for 24 from 4.4 overs.