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Age: 18
Bowls: Right Arm Fast
Bats: Right-Handed
Fields: Frontcourt/Receiver
Nickname: "Purk"
Simon Purkiss is a man who has flirted with representative honours in the sport on many occasions, and was earmarked by former Redcliffe manager Kevin Coutts as a player of the future. Purkiss wasted this talent however by sticking with outdoor cricket, but has now decided to return to the Indoor version. As with Sims and Edwards, Purkiss' playing time in the qualifying games may be limited by the fact he has outdoor commitments with the Pulsars. When playing though, he adds another dimension to the Redbacks' play.
For a person once regarded as one of the most promising batters in the region, Purkiss' batting may be his biggest weakness in the Indoor game. Still has the ability to bat solidly, but is often caught out trying to play too carefully, giving the frontcourt easy wickets. When in good touch however, Purkiss rarely misses putting a ball away. Purkiss will be expected to put a consistent effort in each game that he plays, and with him on song, totals of 150 are not out of the Redbacks' reach.
What Purkiss does bring to the Redbacks is another strike bowler. Is comparable to Cameron Mutton in the pace stakes, and has a great variety of change-ups that if he gets the confidence to use, could make him the leading wicket-taken in the series. Rarely strays off line, and may be expected to bowl in the closing overs when the pressure is on.
In the field, Purkiss is like a bag of mixed nuts. He has an outstanding arm which is very accurate meaning he hits the stumps more often than not. However, he does not yet release the ball quick enough when fielding in the frontcourt, and is often guilty of being too far back in terms of fielding position. Has good hands though, and will most likely be employed on the legside or 2-up, though he may get a chance at receiver.