You’d think the day before a Twenty20 game a batsman might be thinking more about hitting across the line than cross-dressing.
Rob Quiney, for a few moments on Monday at least, was in the second category.
The Melbourne Stars’ batsman says he’s determined to play a key role in his side’s finals campaign, as the unbeaten Stars (6-0) prepare to cope with the loss of several key players.
Pace bowler Jackson Bird and allrounder James Faulkner will miss next month’s finals series after being named in Australia’s Test squad to tour South Africa.
And wicketkeeper Matthew Wade will replace the resting Brad Haddin in Australia’s one-day side for this week’s fourth and fifth games against England.
Quiney, meanwhile, is working on his batting and his growing off-field career as a promotional tool for the Stars in video clips.
Dressed as a woman.
“I don’t know how these videos are getting leaked out to youtube,” Quiney told reporters at the MCG as the Stars prepared for Tuesday’s clash with fifth-placed Hobart Hurricanes.
“I’m copping plenty of stick about it.
“I probably should concentrate on cricket a bit more.
“We’ll see. If it means there’s a few kids smiling then I’m happy.
“There’s just a few people worried I’m a fan of the cross-dressing. Unfortunately there’s a couple more to go.
“I’m encouraged to do them. I’m not forced to do them.
“I willingly oblige.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to haunt me or my daughter or future kids when they’re older because I think parents are embarrassing enough but only time will tell.”
Quiney, who on Monday wasn’t sporting schoolgirl ponytails, joked his wife hadn’t caught him in her cupboard yet.
“After this season I might be done with the cross-dressing. I might have to take on a different role,” he said.
The Stars are keen to take on a different role after dropping out at semi-final time in the past two seasons.
Quiney says the Stars will be tested by the absences of key players.
“But I think we’ve got pretty good depth,” he said.
The opener said he’d happily bat anywhere in the order, although he added every specialist batsman preferred a top-three role.
Quiney said he had a high opinion of the Hurricanes’ bowling attack, led by Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin and Doug Bollinger.
“Laughlin is perfectly suited to this MCG wicket. He’ll be hard to get away,” Quiney said.
Quiney says he has told coach Greg Shipperd he’s available to wicketkeep, although Peter Handscomb is also a candidate.
“I’ve asked Shippy if I can keep but he hasn’t got back to me yet,” Quiney grinned.