The talented basketballer was carving a semi-professional career with English Basketball League outfit Worthing Thunder until West Warrnambool came calling.

And he hasn’t looked back.

“I always took basketball seriously in the winter, and cricket would be the lesser game,” Sunderland said.

“But I’d always have more fun playing cricket. It’s a really weird feeling having the roles reversed.

“Because my focus is cricket out here, I feel like I’m playing better. But for basketball, I feel awful because I’m not training two or three times a week.”

Sunderland arrived last month, making an immediate impression for the Panthers.

The 24-year-old announced his intentions with four wickets for as many runs against ladder leader Allansford in round six. 

“I feel like I’m used to now just not trying to hit the four, not trying to hit the six but just hitting the gaps and singles where I can,” Sunderland said.

“Apart from Tommy and Ollie Noonan, who have been amazing when they’ve come in, we’re all pretty much the same age.

“There’s not many tips I can give to these guys – they’re probably giving me tips on the grounds and wickets.

“It’s a bit of a learning curve for all of us, I think. We’re a bit more competitive than last year, but hopefully we can just crack into that top four.

“Everyone talks about how amazing grand finals are and that, so it would be amazing to be involved.”

Sunderland,  who only plays one-day cricket in the United Kingdom, said he was relishing the chance to partake in the 80-over game.

West Warrnambool faces Brierly-Christ Church away from home on Saturday.