Shane Deitz

A consistent contributor for South Australia for a decade, Shane Deitz was at various times used as an opener, a middle-order batsman, a backup wicketkeeper and a full-time gloveman. A disappointing 2007-08 in which he made 324 runs at 20.25 from eight Pura Cup outings led to his axing from the state squad and he took up a development coaching role in New Zealand with Wellington. The previous season he had been arguably South Australia's most reliable batting performer and was one of only three Redbacks to score a Pura Cup century. He began the campaign as an opener and concluded it as the wicketkeeper and No. 7. He started the summer with an unbeaten 100 against Queensland and followed with five half-centuries - including 98 also against the Bulls - to finish with 665 runs at 41.56 and second place on the Redbacks' tally. Deitz also secured 23 dismissals in his eight games behind the stumps, although in 2007-08 he was eventually replaced by Graham Manou, the same man he had usurped a year earlier.

Until 2004-05 it looked like the opportunities were dwindling for Deitz, as he had been guilty of making lively starts and failing to convert them. However, when he was recalled that summer he contributed 90 and 141 in a pair of outright wins and in 2005-06 he posted his highest first-class score with 154 against Western Australia. Deitz originally arrived in South Australia wanting more opportunities after being unable to rise above the New South Wales 2nd XI. An under-17 and under-19 representative with the Blues, his move to Adelaide led to a debut in 1998-99, but he had to fight his way through a talented batting order for further chances.
Cricinfo staff October 2008