BOURNEMOUTH skipper Martin Miller is tipping Alex Keath to follow in the footsteps of Chapel Gate old boy Adam Voges by gracing the international stage with Australia.

Keath has made a huge impact since being recruited by the Premier Division strugglers from the Ageas Bowl International Cricket Academy at the start of this season.

The 21-year-old all-rounder has hit two centuries, including an undefeated 149 against St Cross six days ago as Lions recorded their first league win for almost 12 months.

Voges, who played alongside Miller at Bournemouth in 2003, represents Australia at one-day and t20 level and is set to join Middlesex following their exit from the Champions Trophy this week.

The 33-year-old was a big hit during his season at Chapel Gate and was a prolific run-scorer for Bournemouth, especially in the Dorset Sunday League.

Victorian Keath, who has been opening the batting for the Lions, played in Australia’s flagship t20 competition – the Big Bash League – for the Melbourne Stars last season.

Miller told the Daily Echo: “Having seen Adam Voges play 10 years ago and what he has achieved since, I would certainly put Alex in the same bracket.

“He is clearly looking to play for Australia in the one-day game and it wouldn’t surprise me if he achieves his aim as he is a real talent.

“He hits the ball a long way, he has so much time when he bats and knows what he is doing when he bowls. He is also a quality fielder and he has got everything. I can certainly see him playing first-class cricket in this country as an overseas player.

“He is a vegetarian and teetotal and his work ethic off the field is second to none. He will certainly give himself every opportunity to make the grade.

“There is something about him and the other boys look up to him and are learning from him. He helps everyone raise their game. We are very grateful for the opportunity to play with someone who is clearly going to have a fantastic career in the game.”

Keath will be hoping to maintain his form when Bournemouth travel to Lymington tomorrow bidding to secure back-to-back wins in the time pennant (11.30am).

Lions are without Ryan Scott who has been recalled by Hampshire Academy so Shambeel Chaudry returns to open the bowling.

Bournemouth: Miller, Keath, Hand, Chaudry, Rogers, Hurley, Allum, Old, Watton, Coombs, Wainwright.

  • Bashley skipper Richard Morris concurs with South Wilts captain James Hayward that the Southern Premier League title will be won by the club which finishes top of the time pennant.

South Wilts, who won the time pennant last season on their way to landing the overall championship, travel to the BCG to face Bashley, who finished as top-flight runners-up last season (11.30am).

Morris said: “Timed cricket sometimes separates those teams who can play the odd good game from those who can play consistently well. Whoever wins the all-day cricket is going to win the title.”

Simon Watkins and Ross Grierson return for Bashley following their crushing win over Lymington last week.

Bashley: Morris, Terry, Thurgood, Digby, Baker, Friedman, Vaughan, Neal, Watkins, R Grierson, Nash.