Cartwright oozes class on batting beauty

It would be entirely acceptable if Hilton Cartwright, the talented Australia A allrounder, has trouble sleeping tonight. Agonisingly unbeaten on 99 after scoring a single with three balls remaining on the second day of the four-day match against India A in Brisbane, you would imagine nerves would be jangling inside the 24-year-old.

It's a particularly infamous score for Cartwright after being cruelly run out on 99 against Queensland during last year's Matador Cup. However, nothing much seems to phase the impressive West Australian.

"(I'm) not going to worry about it (being 99 not out) too much... I'm not the only bloke who has been on 99 overnight and I won't be the last," Cartwright told the media after play. "I'm just going to have the same preparation and hopefully get the one run."

Having never played international cricket and still in the fledgling stages of his domestic career, Cartwright fronted the media impressively, speaking with clarity and looking at ease in front of the cameras and scribes.

That innate poise manifested on the pitch with a composed Cartwright dominating the India A attack after coming to the crease with Australia A in a tricky position at 4/128. He combined with Beau Webster for a fifth-wicket partnership worth 152 to put Australia A in a commanding position heading into day three.

Admittedly, he enjoyed perfect batting conditions with the sun gleaming in the backdrop and the pink ball's menace notably negated after swinging in the early stages. "The pitch has got a lot flatter over the last 50 or 60 overs but there are a few divots from day one to help the bowlers," Cartwright said.

Regardless of the staid pitch and India A's inconsistent attack, Cartwright oozed class, marked by a slew of gorgeous drives that was straight out of a cricket textbook. He is technically correct, ensuring he is in a good position to curb threatening deliveries but, impressively, Cartwright pounces on anything that is slightly awry.

His orthodoxy makes it appear that he doesn't score runs particularly quick; he's certainly not cavalier like teammate Nic Maddinson, who made an adventurous 81 earlier in the day. But the right-handed No.6 pierces gaps with precision and puts his foot down at the right times.

Perhaps it's a slight stretch of hyperbole to make a legitimate comparison right now, but Cartwright's balance fused with flowing drives evoke those beautiful images of former Warriors and Test star Damien Martyn at the crease.

Originally from Zimbabwe, where he grew up idolising Heath Streak, Cartwright has been a rising player in WA cricket for some time. However, he had been an unfulfilled talent until enjoying a breakout last season capped off by his maiden First-Class century against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
After emerging last season, Cartwright is now at a juncture where he can start making a name for himself.

"I've certainly got a lot of confidence from last year and I think that's the thing a lot of people have when they have a breakout year," Cartwright said. "Today, I did exactly what I did towards the end of last season and kept building on my game. I think going out in a slightly pressurised situation helps your game more than easy situations."

Australia have long yearned for an allrounder explaining their persistence with Shane Watson and, these days, Mitch Marsh. With an ability to bowl probing medium pacers, it is little wonder he appeals to national selectors.

You feel Cartwright is going to be bandied around for higher honours sooner rather than later but, right now, he is relishing playing for Australia A. After walking off the Allan Border Field one run shy of a deserved century, Cartwright received some wise advice from a West Australian cricketing legend.

"Mike Hussey shook my hand...(and told me to) 'write down a few notes when you get home tonight so you can remember what you did well and (what to) work on'," Cartwright said.

Perhaps he won't be suffering restlessness tonight but, undoubtedly, Hilton Cartwright will hope his dreams of notching a memorable maiden century for his adopted country materialise on day three.