Image Credit- Getty
Joel Paris,
introspective after an exciting performance late on day four that left Western
Australia one wicket from a hat-trick of Sheffield Shield victories, looked to
seasoned teammates Sam Whiteman and Hilton Cartwright.
“I reckon this means more than the other two [titles],” he told them.
Moments later Paris
sealed WA’s comprehensive victory over Tasmania with a blinder of a catch in
the gully to trigger scenes of jubilation on-and-off the field at the WACA.
“The boys reckon I put a little bit of mayo on it,” laughed Paris as
he recalled his diving effort to his right.
“I was just happy it stuck. We had to grind away, we haven’t had it all
our way. We played unbelievably well in Victoria to get a home final and then
we’ve probably played our best cricket this week.
“This one probably sits right at the top for me. We haven’t had the quicks
available this year that we normally have and we’ve just had to keep going.
It’s very special.”
During the majority
of the season, WA was forced to depend on their backup quicks in lieu of their
frontliners, Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and Matthew Kelly. The consistent
presence of left-armer Paris held the assault together, although Charlie Stobo
and Cameron Gannon, who took eight wickets in the final, came up late in the
season.
Having once again set the tone with his frightening new ball bowling in both of
Tasmania’s innings, Paris was unlucky to only capture two wickets in the final.
He made excellent use of the grassy surface, regularly using quick seam
movement to beat the bat.
Paris amassed 39 wickets at an astounding average of just 15.2 towards the end
of the season. Since making his debut in late 2015, he has taken 174
wickets in 44 first-class matches at 20.05 and striking at 45.9.
Paris is unsure of
his offseason plans, with a stint in the UK a possibility but dependent on his
body. Right now, however, he is eyeing a well-deserved breather.
“I’ll be putting the feet up for a little bit,” he said. “I’m
going to enjoy this one [title] as much as possible.”