Graham Manou not only overcame the major challenge to fight his way back into South Australia's Pura Cup team after being dumped as the first-choice wicketkeeper last season, he ended up as captain by the end of it after Nathan Adcock was dumped from the XI. He was the top runscorer by far, with 596 runs at an average of 37.25, playing all ten Pura Cup matches after Shane Deitz was mysteriously overlooked. He played eight one-day matches, with a high score of 50.

Manou had been dropped the previous year as, though he was the Redbacks' vice-captain, he managed only 16 runs from two games early in the summer and Deitz took over behind the stumps. Manou retained his one-day spot and led the team when Darren Lehmann was injured but his return was a disappointing 117 runs at 14.62. His unexpected lull came after he was named Lehmann's deputy three seasons ago, having matured into a valued contributor for the state. He was immediately thrust into the leader's role in 2004-05 and was a strong performer in a difficult campaign with 433 runs and 36 dismissals. The next year he took his keeping to new levels with a personal-best collection of 42 Pura Cup dismissals and added another 21, including six stumpings, in the ING Cup. That season he narrowly missed a second first-class century when reaching 91 against Tasmania but his batting wasn't as lucrative as in 2003-04 when he collected $50,000 for hitting an ING sign.

After a glittering junior career, he made his first appearance in interstate ranks at senior level in 1999-2000 when he replaced the recently-retired Tim Nielsen to become South Australia's top wicketkeeper. He created a favourable impression with tidy and athletic glovework and his obvious comfort in keeping to all types of bowling. Manou struggled initially with the bat - he registered ducks in four of his opening five innings on the first-class stage - but grew into an important role player and picked up 130 as an opener in 2003-04. Manou's under-age career reached its highest point when he was the Player of the Tournament as his state's captain at the 1997-98 national under-19 carnival in Melbourne, and he performed with distinction throughout his teenage years.

Cricinfo staff April 2008

First-class Debut: Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy v Matabeleland Invitation XI at Bulawayo, 1998/99

List A Debut: Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy v Matabeleland at Bulawayo, 1998/99

Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy 1998

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Mar 13, 2008 Members of the Australian Cricketers' Association all-star Pura Cup and FR Cup teams for 2007-08 © Getty Images

Mar 13, 2008 Members of the Australian Cricketers' Association all-star Pura Cup and FR Cup teams for 2007-08 © Getty Images

Nov 8, 2006 Graham Manou on his way to 20 © Getty Images

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