Kendel Fleming made his first grade debut for Northern Suburbs during the 2011/12 season and at the completion of 2020/21 he’s scored 3,751 first grade runs including 7 centuries.
Let’s find out more about Kendel and his journey so far
What year you were born?
1996
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
Left-hand Batsman
Tell us about your journey, what clubs have you played at and where are you playing now?
Born in Japan where I played ‘T-Ball’. Once I moved to Australia, I played my junior cricket at Surfers Paradise and Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast.
Made the move to Brisbane for my high schooling and joined Northern Suburbs where I’ve played for the past ten years.
My club in Japan where I’ve played some games for the past few years is the mighty Chiba Sharks.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Can’t go past winning the First-Grade premiership in 2017/18.
At what age did you make your first-grade debut?
16
What do you always do before a game?
Check the weather app
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Adam Gilchrist
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Nick Buchanan circa 2013, Billy Stanlake
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Makoto Taniyama – Japanese Shane Warne
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Two come to mind. Tom Healy 140 in our winning grand final was a great knock.
In terms of sheer dominance Chris Lynn made two double hundreds against us in the space of a month across formats. The 50 over one was a ridiculous knock against a high-quality Norths attack.
Who are the two players in QLD Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Scott Walter and Paddy Dooley – unbelievable competitors and the best in the competition at their respective skills.
Scott Walter
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
James McPherson – combination of grit, man management and intelligence. Big part of our premiership in 2017.
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Strange feeling to be intimidated by a keeper but I remember playing against Chris Hartley I was scared to leave my crease. Still ended up stumped that game.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
My favourite is when we were playing in Ipswich a few seasons ago. Nathan Hauritz was bowling and told Barry Bester who was at deep square that he had to be in front of square at least 5 times. When he got called for a no-ball later in the spell we saw Barry running along the boundary practising his bowling run up (behind square) while Haurie was bowling. Blow ups.
Who are the next two players to make their debut for the QLD Bulls in Shield cricket?
Steve McGiffin and Connor Sully
Connor Sully
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
I’ve been fortunate to have great teammates, mentors and coaches throughout my cricket at school and club level. My dad has been a constant for me over the years. Tony Binns is the best batting (and life) coach I’ve had the pleasure of learning from.
Who’s the most annoying team mate?
Marcus Thurgate – he is the national team wicket keeper for Japan. You don’t mind your keepers being annoying though, he was the captain of the U/19 team which debuted at the World Cup in 2020. I think he will play a big part in taking cricket in the country to the next level and who knows, maybe make the Men’s World Cup one day.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I reflect on some of my travels where I have experienced how privileged we are in a country like Australia.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
Rich Paul, Warren Buffett and Joe Rogan
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Love catching up with the NBA and AFL in my spare time, and watching old seasons of Survivor.
What are you studying at Uni?
I’m currently studying my CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) post-grad qualification.
Work as a Forensic Analyst at Vincents and recently started a business in sports management on the side, managing a few useful cricketers around Queensland.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play for first class cricket for QLD?
That ship has most likely sailed for me, but I am passionate about seeing my mates progressing through grade cricket and getting opportunities to play at the next level.
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