Promising young ‘keeper-batsman Seb Gotch made his debut for the Melbourne Stars last season in the game against the Brisbane Heat, also featuring in matches against the Sixers and the Scorchers – the latter being the team’s Semi-Final.

Making his way to the crease with the Stars sitting at 2-1, Gotch made a crucial 30 on debut. He also showed his skill with the gloves in the same match, taking the position behind the stumps after Peter Handscomb was called up to the Australian team. It was his decision to ‘keep in a short-sleeved shirt (rather than the long-sleeves traditionally worn by gloveman) that became a bigger talking point, but for Gotch, it was simply a case of doing what works for him.

The diminutive right-hander made 48 in the semi-final loss to the Perth Scorchers, but has posted a first-class half-century for Victoria to suggest some bigger scores will come with more opportunities. Gotch was upgraded from the Bushrangers rookie list for the 2016-17 campaign.

A promising junior footballer with the Oakleigh Chargers, Gotch decided to concentrate on his cricket and soon captained an Australian Under 19 team featuring future Test players Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Agar.

Gotch is the son of former Fitzroy and St Kilda footballer and veteran VFL coach, Brad.