Scott Brant

Scott Brant was such an unknown when he joined the Queensland squad as a 19-year-old that most of his team-mates didn't recognise him. A left-arm medium-paced swing bowler, Brant's career began quickly as he was catapulted from club to state level at a time when he was unable to deliver more than eight-over spells because of his age. However, his progress slowed dramatically after two seasons with Essex, and he spent a couple of years on the outer at Queensland after returning from England in 2004. The first-class absence ended in 2007-08 when he was picked three times and captured 13 victims. Another seven came in nine one-day games, when he was the state's most economical bowler, and it turned into a satisfying campaign. There were more disruptions last summer when he was diagnosed with a leg stress fracture and he returned late in the campaign to help Gold Coast win the first grade title.

Brant's strong early marks with Queensland earned the county appointment and 37 wickets at 30.18 in 2003 gained a contract extension in England, but injury sent him home for the second time in two seasons. After two years in Brisbane club cricket, Brant was recalled for Queensland in 2006-07 and appeared in six FR Cup matches, taking only one wicket and missing a state contract. Originally from Zimbabwe, where he represented the country at under-age level in cricket, swimming, athletics, hockey, water polo and triathlon, he moved to Australia in 1999 to attend Brisbane's Nudgee College. Brant is also busy in business, with interests in a Gold Coast tanning studio and two cleaning companies.
Peter English May 2009