Bunbury product Jayden Goodwin happy to bat in any position for WA’s all-conquering Sheffield Shield side

Jayden Goodwin staked his claim for the coveted No.3 position in WA’s all-conquering Sheffield Shield side last season, but the Bunbury product says he is happy to take any spot in the batting order. The Colts Cricket Club junior had a breakout 2023-24 summer, scoring 421 Shield runs and playing a key part as the side claimed their third red ball title in a row. In a sign of the State’s depth, he found himself omitted from the team due to returning international players after playing a match-winning hand with a critical 47 not out from No.5 in a game against South Australia in November. But he was promoted up to first drop in the second half of the season and flourished, making 85 against Tasmania, hitting his first Shield hundred against Queensland and chipping in 46 in the second innings of the final against Tasmania. Goodwin told the South Western Times he felt his game was best suited to facing the new ball, but understood he needed to be adaptable as part of a squad which features 12 players who have represented Australia. “I’d love to bat anywhere in the top four, really,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of batters, so ... if I had to bat in the middle order again, I’d happily do it. I just want to be playing for WA.” Batting at No.3 means Goodwin slots in behind his fellow Colts product Sam Whiteman and former Australian batter Cameron Bancroft, who became the State’s most prolific opening partnership last season. He said he felt privileged to learn from the pair. “I’ve always looked up to them, I’ve always wanted to be batting in the top order,” Goodwin said. “They’re perfect role models to follow. It’s amazing to get out there and go to work with them.” Renowned for his solid technique and ability to bat for long periods, Goodwin has never played a one-day game for WA and is yet to sign a Big Bash League contract with any side. But he said he was not looking to pigeonhole himself as a red ball specialist, saying he was trying to become the most complete batter he could. “I’m definitely working hard on trying to get into the white ball setup,” Goodwin said. “It’s hard when our squad is so strong, but I’m not just focusing on the red ball, I’m trying to focus on both. That will benefit my game in all areas.” Goodwin started the Shield season on Tuesday at No.3 in their clash with Queensland but was dismissed from his first ball without scoring, with Whiteman posting 102 from 237 deliveries to help rescue WA from an early spot of bother. * Bunbury product Chloe Piparo hit her first hundred of the Women’s National Cricket League season in WA’s 46-run loss to Queensland in Brisbane on Saturday. In pursuit of a huge total of 331, Piparo got her team away to a strong start at the top of the order, hitting 104 from 99 deliveries in a 165-run opening stand with wicketkeeper Maddy Darke. But after she chipped a catch into the covers off the bowling of Lucy Hamilton in the 28th over, her side’s hopes in the chase fell in a heap, eventually mustering a total of 9-285. WA are rooted to the bottom of the WNCL table, having not won any of their four games in a tough start to the season which has seen them play both of last season’s finalists Tasmania and Queensland twice.