When George Wells is out in the middle, opposition players are quick to put the pressure on.
They remind him that, as an import, everyone is expecting something big.
But, fortunately, the all-rounder is more than up to the challenge.
Wells was signed by St Albans in the off-season and the Victorian Turf cricket outfit appears to have struck gold.
The Saints were after a player who could shore up their top order and provide some handy overs with the ball.
And the Englishman has gone above and beyond expectations, establishing himself as one of the most damaging all-rounders in the competition.
He has smashed 337 runs at an average just shy of 50, while his fast-medium pacers have bamboozled 13 batsmen.
“You do feel a little bit of pressure being an import and the opposition are only too keen to remind you,” Wells told
Star Weekly.
“When you’ve been brought out [to Australia], everyone is expecting performances and there’s a bit of pressure with that.
“The club has been very welcoming and certainly hasn’t put added pressure on me.”
Wells’ best performances with the bat came in the opening two rounds of the season.
Batting at number four, he struck 77 against Merlynston Hadfield and backed that up with 110 against Avondale Heights.
He has another half century to his name, as well as a pair of scores in the mid 30s.
Wells said it had been frustrating not to get at least one other big score.
“Generally I am pretty happy with the way I have played so far,” he said.
“Every now and again you’ll get a good ball early and you’re not always going to get the chance to get yourself in.”
Wells arrived at the Saints from Bexley Cricket Club, which plays in the Kent Cricket League.
And his timing couldn’t be better, with the Saints on track to secure a home final.
St Albans is on top spot on the ladder with a six-point lead over second placed Taylors Lakes.
Highlighting the club’s dominance has been three outright wins in the lead up to Christmas.
But after losing its past five semi-finals in the past six seasons, the Saints know they can judge their year only on what happens in finals.
“I’ve heard all about the semi-final results,” Wells said.
“I’d like to see us probably play with a little less fear in those sorts of games.
“The players are aware of the situation and the more we think about it the less beneficial it will be.
“We’re one of the best sides in the competition so as long as we treat finals like any other game we should be fine.”
