Former Roffey overseas player eyes unusual international debut

Ben Manenti spent three seasons at Sussex Cricket League champions Roffey, making an impact at with the bat and the ball.

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And for the last to Big Bash League tournaments, the 23-year-old off-spinner has played for the Sydney Sixers. And he is now hoping follow his third KFC BBL season with an unconventional international debut next year.

Manenti, who is an Italian passport holder, was set to play at this year's European qualifier tournament for his grandmother's home country in Spain before the coronavirus shutdown cost him that opportunity - and another winter in England (not with Roffey).

Manenti is the son of former Sydney rugby prop John, who now coaches Australia's women's rugby sevens side, and is no in the best shape of his life after slimming down to 93kgs - after weighing up to 112kgs in his late teens.

Whileawaiting the final details of this summer's BBL schedule, Manenti also has half an eye on a return to Europe next year.

He and brother Harry - who was due to be Roffey's overseas player this season before the lockdown happened - had both committed to play for Italy at an ICC event in May, a tournament that carries full international status and is one of the early qualifying rounds for the 2022 T20 World Cup.

The brothers hope to join fellow Australians Michael De Venuto and Joe Scuderi in playing for the Italians.