PREMIER CRICKET
Daanish Mehta’s maiden Premier firsts century was not enough to get Geelong over the line, but it has given the returning all-rounder an early confidence boost in his second stint with the club.
Mehta has returned to Geelong after two seasons in Adelaide, where he played for Tea Tree Gully and East Torrens after relocating for work.
He previously played for the Cats from 2020 to 2024 after moving from India in 2017.
While the cricket itself provided valuable development, Mehta said he never quite felt at home in Adelaide, eventually deciding to return to Geelong while at home in India during the winter.
“I got a job in Adelaide and that was the only reason I went there,” he said. “Adelaide is a pretty small and quiet city. The cricket was good, but personally, I didn’t like [it] much.”
The move back to the Cats has brought him back to a familiar environment, with Mehta describing his return as a homecoming after two seasons away.
“It was like coming back home again,” he said. “I was in touch with Travis Agg [club director of cricket] and a few other guys, and it was pretty good to get back.”
The 30-year-old has resumed his familiar role batting in the middle order and bowling left-arm spin, while hoping to share his experience with the club’s emerging young players.
Coming in to bat at six against Kingston Hawthorn, Mehta made 111 runs from 174 balls to steady a top order collapse, as the Cats fell short of overcoming the Hawks’ 318 on the second day of play at Walter Galt Reserve last weekend.
Mehta was pleased to reach the milestone but said the result left him wanting more.
“It was pretty good [but] not satisfying to be honest, since we didn’t win the game,” he said. “But it was my first ton in the Premier league, so it was a pretty big relief.”
After making a single run in his first innings against Prahran, Mehta hopes the century can provide a platform for a strong season with both bat and ball.
“It is satisfying to get one at the start of the year,” he said.
“It gives you more confidence, and I would love to take that confidence in the next round, with my bowling as well.”
With Geelong aiming to bounce back against Frankston Peninsula this weekend, Mehta believes the side has the balance to challenge for a finals berth.
“If we want to finish in the top eight, we have to beat teams like Kingston or Frankston, those kind of clubs,” he said. “I think we are capable.
“Being a young side, I think we can do it, I have no doubt in that.”
Meanwhile all Premier women’s cricket was cancelled due to last weekend’s heavy rain.
Day one of the Cats’ round 4 game with Frankston Peninsula will begin at 10:30am at Jubilee Park.