Tara Murray
Peter Hatzoglou is still pinching himself about the path his cricket career has taken him the last two years.
Entering last season’s BBL, Hatzoglou was focusing on establishing himself in Victorian Premier Cricket having broken through to Melbourne University’s top side after playing the majority of his cricket at Sunshine Heights.
After being picked up by the Melbourne Renegades as an injury replacement player, he became a cult figure within the country.
A move to Perth Scorchers for this season and Hatzoglou soon found himself as BBL title winner.
“It has been great,” he said. “It’s been different and I can’t really put it into words.
“I was at Renegades last year and the Perth Scorchers this year. I’m playing in a team that won, with the first XI taking to the field on Friday night [the final] and I’m the only one who hadn’t played international cricket.
“One of the best things about it is being able to talk to the guys about different things and different scenarios.”
Hatzoglou said it was hard to leave the Renegades after they gave him an opportunity, but said it was the right move.
The 23-year-old took 15 wickets for the tournament, to rank in the top 20 overall. Hatzoglou said he was happy with how he went.
“My role I was always paired with Ashton Agar to sort of tighten things down in the middle order,” he said.
“Jye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff rolled through the top order, which made it easier for me in the middle overs.
“All those guys took the pressure off me.
“There were so many opportunities for me. I think I did well and improved on last season.”
Hatzoglou said the role Agar, who has been part of the Australian set up for years, had been massive in his progress.
He said the two really complimented each other.
The journey to the title wasn’t an easy one for the Scorchers, who spent a big chunk of the season on the road due to COVID-19 and border restrictions.
For Hatzoglou, it meant getting to play in front of his friends and family with Perth based out of Melbourne for much of the season.
“The family did come along to the games,” he said.
“I haven’t spent a lot of time in Melbourne since cricket took off. On the Sunday after the game, I went down to Sunshine Heights [Cricket Club] ground on veterans day.
“I caught up with a few guys.”
Having had the success that he’s had the last two years, Hatzoglou said there was now the possibility of having a career in cricket.
“It could be life on the road for a little bit or life behind the desk at KPMG,” he said.
“There’s the IPL auction in mid-February that I’ll put myself up for.
“Hopefully I’ll have some opportunities in the UK [United Kingdom] and some other T20 competitions around the world.
“I really thought playing cricket as a job was a distant possibility but for me to be as close as I am to it.
“It’s a matter of continuing to improve. I get access to so many of those great players its nice to have mentors to guide me.”
