Daniel Drew - the comeback is always bigger than the setback
West Torrens District Cricket Club | April 09, 2023
Daniel Drew made his first grade debut for West Torren District Cricket Club during the 2013/14 season and is the clubs first grade player number 521.
Daniel made his first class debut for South Australia in December 2019 when he was selected to play against Tasmania.
At the completion of the 2022/23 season Daniel has played 11 first class games for South Australia scoring 854 runs at an average of 44.94 including 2 centuries and 3 half centuries. His highest score is 208 not out against Western Australia in February 2023.
Let’s find out more about Daniel and his journey so far.
Original interview - June 2021.
What year you were born?
1996
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
Top order batter who can bowl some average off-spin
Tell us about your journey, what clubs have you played at and where are you playing now?
Started my junior career at West Torrens District Cricket Club in Adelaide, South Australia (under 13’s) and still there now as captain of the A grade side. Also contracted at the South Australian Redbacks.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
There are probably two stand outs for me.
Winning all three A grade premierships for West Torrens in the same season (One Day, T20 & 2 Day flags) in 2016/17
Debuting for South Australia in Sheffield Shield against Tasmania in 2019
Daniel Drew winning the Bradman medal in 2016/17. The fist West Torrens player in 29 years
At what age did you make your first-grade debut?
16
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Tough one but when I was younger I loved Michael Clarke.
As I got a bit older and started to play a bit more cricket, I think it quickly became Kevin Peterson. Still would be my favourite today.
Kevin Pietersen
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Facing Shaun Tait at 16 with bad light was probably up there as the quickest and scariest I have faced and Mitchell Johnson in the nets wasn’t ideal either.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Probably Steven O’Keefe.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Last season Patrick Fisher (West Torrens middle order batter) won our side the game in the last over of a one-day game against Glenelg. Unbeaten on 112 off 111 balls after coming to the crease at 5 for 38 chasing 210. This win essentially helped us make finals last year and was one of the best innings I have seen firsthand.
Also, Ryan Gibson’s debut for West Torrens last year was pretty handy. 205 (136) in a one- day game against Sturt after being on 0 for 24 balls.
Patrick Fisher
Who are the two players in South Australia Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Trent Kelly (West Torrens) and Mark Cosgrove (Northern Districts)
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Adam Crosthwaite – elite
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
Playing a few 2nd XI games with Jake Lehmann as captain was enjoyable to play under. Very relaxed mindset and always backed you in – never made you feel under pressure and backed your ability under all circumstances.
Jake Lehmann
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
There was a lot thrown around when I was a young pup in the SACA Premier competition. East Torrens District Cricket Club used to give me a mouthful most seasons but nothing recently in my cricketing career that I can point out. Spencer Johnson has by far the worst sledges I have heard in a long time. Tough to listen to at all times
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
My family and especially my dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the sacrifices they made for me and I will be forever grateful to them for giving me the opportunities I had.
Also, Shane McDermott (past Redbacks batting assistant and under 19 state coach). He turned my career around a couple of seasons ago and always believed in me when others didn’t. Put in a lot of time & effort for me and my career & will always be grateful for his hard work.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
My pop passed away recently this year & he gave me so much inspiration and fight to keep pushing through challenging times, especially involving cricket. He gives me so much motivation and passion to achieve my goals and give my everything especially when times seem much harder than they really are. If I am ever feeling challenged or upset, I think of him and what he would say to me, which will keep me going for a lifetime.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
Justin Vernon (Bon Ivor vocalist)
David Attenborough
Cillian Murphy
Justin Vernon
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Spend time with family and mates, travel into the country/interstate, read and research.
Who has the best nickname you’ve come across in cricket, what’s the nickname and do you know the story behind it?
Person: Brad Davis (Sturt Cricket Club)
Nickname: Tugga
Story: Can’t give much away but the nickname itself was given to him last season and has stuck. Great story but needs to be told in person – not G rated.
What are you studying at University?
If working, what do you do and name of business (we will give them a plug), if at Uni what are your studying/
Currently studying a Bachelor of Media & majoring in Journalism at Adelaide University (completed 2 out of 3 years). Seeking to become a sports journalist when the time is right.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“The comeback is always bigger than the setback”
