Australian fast-bowler Tom Whitney takes wickets at cricket World Cup

Australia’s luck unearthing fantastic fast bowlers is continuing as a former Tweed junior makes a name for himself in the international arena. See the video.

It only took until the second ball of Australia’s Under 19 Cricket World Cup campaign for a former Tweed-Banora Colts junior to announce himself on the biggest stage.

Tom Whitney had eyebrows raised when he dismissed West Indian Matthew Nandu for a golden duck with a short ball that was nicked to wicketkeeper Tobias Snell.

He added two more on the opening day of the tournament to finish on 3/20 as Australia got their World Cup off to the perfect start.

The 19-year old followed it up with two wickets against Sri Lanka.

Tom Whitney's first grade coach at Western Suburbs Peter Steindl says he has the potential to play cricket at a high level.

Despite losing on matchday two, Whitney knocked over Sri Lanka’s high quality third and fifth batsmen.

He was a junior cricketer at Tweed-Banora Colts till he was 14 and featured for NSW North Coast rep teams as a teenager in cricket and rugby league.

He showed promise while playing cricket at Terranora public school and St. Joseph’s in Banora before he started cracking into the first XI while still in year nine at Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland.

The youngster played for Western Suburbs in Queensland Premier Cricket in 2021 and took 10 wickets in the Alan Pettigrew Shield before being promoted to the first grade side at the age of 18.

Western Suburbs first grade coach Peter Steindl wasn’t surprised to see Whitney taking wickets on the world stage.

In one of Whitney’s opening matches for the first grade team he took 4/38 in nine overs.

“If he continues to do the small things well then he is capable of playing at a high level,” Steindl said.

“He’s got to stay fit, look to be consistent with his skills and keep things simple, if he keeps it simple opportunities will arise at the higher level and I’m sure he’ll take them.”

Steindl said the reason Whitney looked so comfortable leading the bowling attack for Australia was because of his aggressive style.

He said he balanced the attack with extra pace but also performed well when fielding.

Whitney will get the chance to pile on the wickets against Scotland on Thursday morning where many more eyes will be watching to see just how good this kid is.