Michael Nalesnyik (27) is a talented Australian off-spin bowling all-rounder who's played over 50 1st XI matches in the Victorian Premier Competition for Casey South Melbourne and more recently Melbourne University.
Standing 6.4", Nalesnyik started his grade career as an opening batsman, making his highest 1st XI score of 69 for Casey South Melbourne in 2004. His off-spin bowling is now however, his strong suit albeit is still often used at the top of the order for his first grade side. Nalesnyik is a hard-working cricketer, who's dedicated much time to his game and is now seen as one of Victoria's stand-out off-spinners.
The 2010/11 season proved to be a break-through summer for Nalesnyik taking figures of 4-8 and 3-6 in the season openers for Melbourne University. His performances generated State interest as the Victorian selectors were in attendance to watch the off-spinner at work throughout the remainder of the season. He continued to impress, taking the scalps of national stars Brad Hodge and Andrew McDonald in a spell against Melbourne and 27 wickets at 14.93 at season end. Nalesnyik was not only a key wicket-taker for the Uni side, but added control, going for only 3.05 runs per over - an extraordinary feat for an off-spinner in the star-studded Premier League Competition.
He earned rave reviews throughout the season and his performances earned him his Club's 'Player of the Year' award (Scholar's Cross). He was also polled with the most votes for the University in the Victorian Ryder Medal Count (15). His form has continued into the current 2011/12 season, where in his last match, he took the scalps of Bushrangers Jayde Herrick and Matthew Wade - the latter the new face of the Australian T20 side, with figures of 3-40.
Nalesnyik is clearly a proven performer and comes highly recommended by several well-regarded coaches in Victoria. To compliment his playing ability, he is also an experienced and accredited coach who's eager to make an impact both on and off the field. He is, without doubt, one of the best spin bowling all-rounder options for the 2012 summer.