A top-order batsman who has struggled to grab his opportunities at state level, Lloyd Mash did not have his Cricket Victoria contract renewed for 2010-11. The demotion came after a disappointing return of 80 runs in eight Sheffield Shield innings in 2009-10, when he was given an extended chance at No. 3 followed Brad Hodge's retirement from first-class cricket. He had made only sporadic appearances since 2006-07, when he was the preferred opening partner for Nick Jewell for most of the summer but averaged only 26. An impressive debut season the year before brought Mash 505 Pura Cup runs and he started with a steady 44 against the touring West Indians on his first-class debut. A strong left-hander, Mash planted Dwayne Bravo for four sixes in a 12-ball cameo of 32 when a Twenty20 practice game was arranged. Mash, who began his career aged five at Eltham and spent seven years in the under-12s, works in insurance in his time away from the game.
Cricinfo staff September 2010