Peter George (26) is a tall, fast bowler in the McGrath mould who was rewarded with a Test cap in October 2010 after a prolific Sheffield Shield campaign in 2009/10. He impressed on debut taking figures of 2-48 in 21 overs against India including Tendulkar as his first test scalp.
George had earned selection courtesy of 36 wickets at 30.44 in the 09/10 first-class season – a tally that included a highlight of 8 for 84 against Tasmania – the best figures ever recorded at the Bellerive Oval. This was George’s maiden five-wicket haul at State level and he capped off his record breaking figures taking another three in the second innings to take 11 wickets in the match.
George initially broke into the South Australian State side in 2008/09, after two consistent seasons in Adelaide grade cricket. His debut came in early November when he took 4 for 56 against Tasmania, which was the best first-innings return from a South Australian debutant in ten years. A further five Sheffield Shield matches and a total of 20 wickets at 32.15 capped a satisfying debut season.
George first received a Redbacks rookie contract in 2005/06 and lost it the following season but his consistency for grade side West Torrens ensured a return senior status in 2008/09. George was rewarded with selection to the Australian Academy in the 2009 winter and impressed in the Cricket Australia Emerging Players tournament taking 14 wickets at 16.71.