Why LSS nominee Brad Simpson is one of Australia’s hottest bowling prospects
Brad Simpson could be our next fast bowling ace with his sheer pace and accuracy catching the eye of the bowling coaches.
BRAD Simpson could be our next fast bowling ace with his sheer pace and accuracy catching the eye of the bowling coaches.
This week’s nominee for the Junior Sports Star Award regularly clocks 132km with his success at Bankstown Cricket Club, winning him caps at the Australian under 17 and 17 level.
The 17-year-old student at St John Bosco (Engadine), is also selected for the 40-man squad for next January’s Under 19 World Cup in South Africa.
“My main goal now is to make it for the final 16-man team for the World Cup,” Brad said.
“I picked up a lot of tips and skills when I attended the rookie fast bowling camp in Brisbane earlier this year.
“Using the facilities the professional players have access to and their coaches too was amazing and I did get coaching from (national fast bowling coach) Troy Cooley and (former Australian stars) Brett Lee and Ryan Harris at this camp.
“I got involved with cricket after watching it on TV and also watching my elder brother Matthew playing for Bankstown Cricket Club.”
In the 2018/19 season, Brad picked up more than 50 wickets for the first and second grades at Bankstown, having made his first class debut last year.
His achievements include representing Australia in the under 16 matches against Pakistan in April 2018 and the U17 NSW Cricket team Australian Championships 2018.
Brad is also doing pilates, strength and sprint training in addition to juggling his studies
He picks out Australian quick Jhye Richardson as his sporting hero and is grateful to his parents and mentors in his club, NSW and Australian cricketing set ups for what he has achieved.
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Having had stress injuries in the past, Brad knows he has to look after his body.
“Previously I have had stress responses in my shin and prior to that a stress response in my lower back, which is something common to fast bowlers,” Brad said.
“I have learnt to accept that as a fast bowler I need to be able to manage and deal with injury. I try and minimise those through good preparation.”
■ Local Sports Stars is proudly sponsored by Featherdale Wildlife Park and Bankstown Sports Club. Categories include Junior Sports Star, Team of Excellence, Inspiration Award and Service to Sport.
■ To nominate: bit.ly/2GlPxKd
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