Echuca-Moama's Todd Murphy claims place in Victorian cricket history

Just days ago, more than 160 years later, one of our own pulled on the navy blue cap for the first time.

The 863rd first-class cricketer in Victoria’s history is Echuca-Moama’s Todd Murphy.

Murphy, who debuted in the one day series last month, made his Sheffield Shield debut on Saturday at the Junction Oval against South Australia.

“It was something I've always dreamt of, hoping that one day I'd get a chance to play state cricket,” Murphy said.

“So to get the opportunity in my first year, I'm rapt with it. I loved the four days, I loved everything that came with playing.

“At the start of the year I came into the squad, and while I hoped I would get the opportunity, I never really expected to get the chance.

“So to have the opportunity to play red and white ball cricket for my state really came as a shock.

“But I've been able to enjoy the moments for what they are, really embrace the chance to play for Victoria. They're things I'll be able to look back on for the rest of my life.”

Leading up to the shield game, Murphy had been aware for a few days he was more than a chance to play.

“I got a call a few days before from the head coach (former test cricket Chris Rogers) saying I was in the squad and a really good chance to play,” Murphy said.

“We took a squad of 12 and they were tossing up whether to play two spinners (the other being Jon Holland), then I got the nod on the morning of the game.”

Murphy's cap was presented by his St Kilda teammate Jonathan Merlo, a presentation Murphy had requested.

“I was asked in advance if it was to happen, who would I want to present me the cap and I picked Jono straight away,” he said.

“He's been really good to me since I've moved to Melbourne. He's been like a big brother, looking after me and showing me around Melbourne.

“So it couldn't have been better than for it to come from him.”

The Redbacks won the toss and chose to bat, meaning Murphy would get the chance early in the game to have the ball in his hand.

With opening pair of Henry Hunt and Jake Weatherald set at 0-68, Murphy was given the moment he was waiting for.

On the last ball of Murphy's first over, Hunt played back trying to fend the ball off of off-stump, only to miscue on to his stumps to give the debutant his first wicket.

“They were building a nice partnership on a pretty flat wicket,” Murphy said.

“So to be able to come on and make an impact straight away was really nice.”

The innings was dominated by fellow spinner Jon Holland, who claimed 5/82, with Murphy finishing with 1/72 at 2.67 from 27 overs.

But he was far from done. Having completed his work with the ball, Murphy's talent with the bat was called upon during Victoria's first innings.

When teammate Mitch Perry was dismissed, the Vics were 8/249, still 84 behind South Australia's first innings total when Murphy strode to the crease as the number 10 batsman.

Teaming up with Sam Harper - who would make his maiden first-class century - Murphy added a strong 34 from 70 in an 88-run partnership to get the Vics past the Redbacks.

The match would end in a draw on day four, brining an end to the men in Blue's campaign for the season.

But for Murphy, it's hopefully just the beginning.

“My plan for the pre-season is to go away and keep bowling as many balls as I can, keep learning about my game and what I can improve to become a better cricketer going forward,” Murphy said.

“There's always room to improve. I've loved getting the taste of playing for my state, but I want to continue to play and get better and earn my opportunities to keep playing.”

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