How Local Sports Star nominee Parneet is pacing herself to reach her goals in cricket
HAVING signed up for a junior cricket class seven years ago on a whim, fast bowling prospect Parneet Kaur is now on the cusp of playing for NSW.
HAVING signed up for a junior cricket class seven years ago on a whim, fast bowling prospect Parneet Kaur is now on the cusp of playing for NSW.
Steady progress, backed by dedication to her training has propelled the 17-year-old into the NSW Cricket Academy and the state’s under-17 team.
This week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Award said she is delighted to be in the academy as she eyes a representative career in her main sport.
“I began playing cricket when I was 10 with the Beverly Hills Eagles team, and it was fun because there girls also playing with the boys,” said Parneet, who also completed an umpiring course.
“The Eagles have supported me very well and taught me to bowl in a normal style.
“I enjoy bowling fast with my top speed around 90kmph and (former West Indian star) Corey Collymore has been really good for my bowling.
“Corey sorted our the small problems for me and my brother (Tanvir) and made me a better bowler.
“My biggest achievement so far is to make it to the NSW Cricket Academy because this is a good pathway to Australian cricket and the Big Bash and also will make me a better player.
“I like to progress in this sport because I enjoy it and am also improving my batting.”
Parneet now plays first and second grade for Penrith CC’s women’s team and her best spell last season was 4/5 in five overs for Sydney West.
Parneet, who is inspired by Australian captain Steve Smith and Indian paceman Umesh Yadav, has also taken 4/7 in second grade while collecting 58 scalps this season.
Praneet, who is coached by Steve Constello and John Breaden at Penrith, has good batting skills, scoring 330 runs last season.
It’s a tough few months for Parneet because she is sitting for her HSC exams at Wyndham College while training for the academy.
“My HSC trials are in July and I am keen to do well in my studies because I need to have another career if my cricket does not work out,” the pragmatic Parneet said.
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: www.localsportsstars.com.au
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