Sydney University batsman Damien Mortimer, who is making his Futures League debut for NSW Metropolitan against ACT/NSW Country at Manuka Oval, played with impressive composure to reach fifty shortly before lunch today.
Mortimer, who represented the Australian Under-19 team 19 times in 2013 and 2014, earned selection through his consistent heavy scoring with University since the start of last season. He spent the first day of the game watching his clubmate, Nick Larkin, compile a brilliant 189, and came to the crease late on the second day after former Test opening bowler, Trent Copeland, took an early wicket. In company with Daniel Solway, Mortimer steadied the innings and the pair added 143 for the second wicket before Mortimer fell to ACT bowler Harry Medhurst. His 61 runs came from 159 deliveries, and he hit six boundaries.