Maggie Clark, Ella Wilson, Paris Hall and Eleanor Larosa lead Australia to T20 World Cup success

Four South Aussie teenagers have been dominant in the inaugural U19 Twenty20 Cricket World Cup this week and are close to guaranteeing a semi-finals berth for the Green and Gold.

Four South Australian teenagers have played a key role in the nation’s success during this week’s U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in South Africa and are inches from leading the side to a semi-final berth.

Young gun quick Maggie Clark (Jamestown), wicket keeper Paris Hall (West Torrens), all-rounder Ella Wilson (Glenelg) and talented bowler Eleanor Larosa (Glenelg) were all selected for the inaugural tournament recently and have begun to make a name for themselves on the international stage this week.

Two days after an upset loss to Bangladesh, SA’s talent started to hit form, with Clark taking nine wickets from the following four wins against USA, Sri Lanka, India and the UAE, including a 3-20 performance against the latter.

Wilson also took two catches through exceptional fielding in her four appearances, and Paris Hall starred behind the stumps as wicket keeper.

While Larosa is yet to debut, she remains an important part of the Australian squad and will be a chance as Australia aims for a semi-finals appearance.

Maggie Clark celebrates a wicket with fellow South Australian Paris Hall. Clark has taken nine so far. Picture: Cricket Australia

“I’m really excited for the girls and I’m not that surprised given the amount of work they’ve put in,” SACA female pathway coach Darius Wyatt said of the teenagers’ achievements.

“They deserve their opportunity with the squad and it’s really significant for them to have this experience overseas and receive some recognition.”

Each of the girls experienced different pathways into the World Cup squad, with Wilson and Hall both being signed to the Adelaide Scorpions for season 2022-2023, Larosa putting together a standout national championships campaign, and 15-year-old phenom Clark developing drastically through the SACA pathways program.

“They’ve all had different journeys and they all work really hard and the recent success they’ve had in the sport is a testament to their preparation,” Wyatt said.

“Maggie Clark for instance comes from Jamestown, so she makes a five-hour round trip three times a week to get to Adelaide – she’s only 15 but is a wonderful kid who has an unbelievable support network and works so hard.

Ella Wilson has followed her success with the Strikers and Scorpions as part of Australia's U19 T20 World Cup team this week. Picture: Adelaide Strikers

Eleanor Larosa (left) with Lucy Bowring and Ella Wilson. She had a standout national championships and is now a part of Australia's U19 Women's T20 World Cup team. Picture: Glenelg District Cricket Club

“She can bowl in all phases of the game and is very skilful – we’ve seen Australia use her in multiple roles and she’s thrived in all of them.”

Clark, Hall, Wilson and Larosa will be hoping to continue their momentum in coming seasons and follow in the footsteps of star SA-bred players like Darcie Brown, Tahlia McGrath and Megan Schutt.

Wyatt believed the sky was the limit for the next group of stars.

“It’s certainly exciting given they’re following in the footsteps of some of those players. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they’re all following on from these role models,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of cricket ahead of them and the great thing about our girls is how focused they are – they won’t let a disappointing performance or two define them.

“They’ll continue to develop and achieve big things.”

Australia will await the results of England v West Indies and UAE v Bangladesh to realise its semi-final goal.