Ben Manenti - just keep showing up

Ben Manenti is an off spinning all-rounder and Sydney Cricket Club first grade player number 570.

Since joining the Tigers as a 15 year old in 2012/13 Ben has taken 353 wickets across all grades and scored 3,179 runs.

Ben made his debut for the Sydney Sixers in 2018/19 and this year played a major role in helping Sydney Cricket Club win the NSW Premier Cricket first grade premiership

Let’s find out more about Ben and his journey so far

 

 

What year you were born?

1997

If you can share with our fans how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

Spin bowling all-rounder that can score quickly  

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

Winning the first grade competition in season 2020/21. It’s something we’ve chased for quite some time

Also winning back to back BBL titles with the Sixers is something special along with making my debut

At what age did you make your first grade debut?

17

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

Andrew Symonds

Who’s the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Beau McClintock from Sydney Cricket Club has the best gloves I’ve seen around the last few years

Who is the best fastest bowler you’ve played against?

Jofra Archer and Pat Cummins

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Steve O’Keefe

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

AJ Mosca got a 100 against Sydney University in the one-day final two years ago and it was as good as you’ll see.

Also Joe Denly got a 160 against Manly a few years back and it was different gravy

AJ Mosca

You play in the BBL for the Sydney Sixers – can you share what is was like to make your debut for the Sixers, the emotions and playing in front of a big crowd?

It was a pretty special night. I didn’t have too many emotions before the match but I was more nervous about making a mistake in the field than my bowling. We defended a really low total that night and I was lucky enough to get man of the match which is something I’ll never forget

Who are the two players in NSW Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Jarred Burke – he’s a great competitor and someone that has performed for a very long period of time and has always had a winning impact on the clubs he’s played for

Jay Lenton – has a great amount of passion for Premier cricket and is very big on helping players progress as cricketers and good people

Jay Lenton

You played an instrumental role in Sydney Cricket Club winning the NSW Premier Cricket first grade premiership in 2020/21.What or who were the 3 top influencers that helped the Tigers play such good cricket during the season

AJ Mosca – had a huge year with the bat

Beau McClintock – scored a heap of runs and barely made an error behind the stumps

Ryan Felsch - Runs (often in boundaries and quickly) and wickets throughout the year

Nic Bills – Lots of wickets

Sydney Cricket Club - 2020/21 first grade premiers

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

Morgan Wallen

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

Nothing super obvious. I have played with a very competitive and funny group of boys over the last few years and there has been many a battle and a laugh shared on the field.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My family – they’ve been very supportive of me chasing my dream as a cricketer and always supported me, dad especially. He knows my game very well and when I’m out of nick and why.

Ben and his father John

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

I use to get frustrated about very insignificant things. I have been told by many a person that the sun will rise tomorrow and nothing is as bad as it seems.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?

Paul Kelly, Shane Warne and Michael Jordan

Shane Warne

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

Run, spend time with my girlfriend, friends and family, watching anything to do with sport and getting disappointed by the Tigers every weekend

What’s your occupation?

I have my own coaching business BAM Cricket Academy and about to finish a sport management diploma

Do you have a favourite quote?

Just keep showing up

We understand you’ve decided to move Tasmania to play cricket, what’s prompted the move?

I just feel like there is limited opportunity for me at NSW at the moment. I feel the 3 spinners they have cover all bases. I really like Tasmania and the program they have there and I feel like some fresh air and a change of scenery will be really beneficial for my cricket and it’s a move I can’t wait for.