Former Western Province Cricket Club seamer nearing Otago contract

File image: Travis Muller.

Former Western Province Cricket Club seamer Travis Muller is in contention for a full-time contract with Otago in New Zealand.

Muller might replace former New Zealand Test cricketer Mark Craig among Otago’s contracted players. Craig has taken an indefinite break from professional cricket.

The 27-year-old made isolated appearances for Otago in the Super Smash, Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield during the 2019-20 season. Fellow former Western Province Cricket Club star Michael Rippon was among his Otago team-mates.

“After the last two seasons that Michael has had I’d certainly like to think that his name is being spoken of at least in the New Zealand A sphere,” said Otago head coach Rob Walter.

“He was in our top two or three performers last season across all formats and played big roles in big games.

“You have to think he’d be there as a wrist-spinning batting option. There is literally no-one else in the country that does that other than Todd Astle.

“If he gets a crack then obviously that opens up Travis as an option. To be fair to Travis, he has done everything that he could possibly do to get himself an opportunity.”

Muller was named the Otago A Outstanding Performer at the annual Otago Cricket Community Awards earlier this year.