Teenage batsman Sam Rahaley set to become the youngest male to make A-grade debut for Kensington District Cricket Club

A TEENAGE batsman is set to become the youngest male to make his A-grade debut in Kensington District Cricket Club’s 147-year history.

Sam Rahaley (far right) pictured with Suraj Rajesh and Kyle Brazell at Adelaide Oval last year after being selected in the under-16 Australian squad. Picture: Matt Loxton.

A TEENAGE batsman is set to become the youngest male to make his A-grade debut in Kensington District Cricket Club’s 147-year history.

Sam Rahaley will be 15 years and six days when he plays for the Browns in their two-day match against Southern District at Parkinson Oval on Saturday.

Geelong footballer George Horlin-Smith previously held the record, debuting when he was 15 and two months in 2008.

Kensington selectors last night chose to promote Rahaley after he made an unbeaten 100 in the club’s B grade against Tea Tree Gully last Saturday – the day before his 15th birthday.

Rahaley found out about his selection this morning and was excited to etch his name in the record books at the Browns, whose past players include Sir Donald Bradman, Clarrie Grimmett, Tim May and Greg Blewett.

“It is a bit of an honour, I reckon,” said Rahaley, an Australian under-16 representative.

“So many people have represented the club and played A-grade cricket for Kensi, and to be the youngest is something pretty cool.”

Former Kensington batsman George Horlin-Smith, who now plays AFL with Geelong, previously held the Browns’ record for the youngest male to make an A-Grade debut. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Rahaley was born in Singapore to Australian parents before moving to Vietnam and later England, where he started playing cricket.

He joined the Browns about four years ago when his family returned to Adelaide.

Rahaley said learning to relax at the crease helped him improve.

“At the start of the season I was overthinking my game.

“But recently I’ve just been trying to bat as long as I can and not worry about how many balls I’ve faced.”

Kensington coach Ben Johnswood said Rahaley deserved a shot at the higher level.

“He’s had two hits in the second grade and hit 50 in the first one and then 100 in the second one and has just looked really composed and mature for his age,” Johnswood said.

“He played really important innings both times.

“Hopefully if he gets a bit of a taste of it (A grade) now it will help him get picked in the state 17s and 19s next season.”

The Browns are 10th on the two-day ladder and out of finals contention.

But they have made the One-Day Cup qualifying final and will play Woodville on Sunday, February 4.