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Sydney Sixers youngster Jack Edwards could be BBL big hit

You may have heard his name but might not have seen him play. But this laid-back young cricketer could well be the big hit of the BBL this season.

Jack Edwards in action against the Melbourne Renegades in January. Pic: Cricket Australia/Getty.
Jack Edwards in action against the Melbourne Renegades in January. Pic: Cricket Australia/Getty.

He’s tall, lanky and very talented and could well be part of the youngest opening partnerships at the Sydney Sixers in BBL history.

A 195cm player who just last month got “a little monkey off my back” with his first century in Premier Cricket, then followed up a week later with his second.

Jack Edwards, just 20, is being tipped to step up into an opening partnership with Josh Philippe, 23, for the Sydney Sixers when they kick off their BBL campaign in Hobart next week.

Jack Edwards (left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Harry Nielsen of the Redbacks in the Sheffield Shield earlier this year.
Jack Edwards (left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Harry Nielsen of the Redbacks in the Sheffield Shield earlier this year.

“I’m not sure if I am opening but if that is happening, it is exciting,’’ said Edwards, who made his Premier Cricket first grade debut in the 2016/17 season with Manly Warringah and plays for the club in Premier Cricket.

The young all-rounder was in Australia’s squad for the 2018 under 19 Cricket World Cup and considered one of Australia’s most exciting talents.

Sydney Sixers young gun Jack Edwards in action.
Sydney Sixers young gun Jack Edwards in action.

He has only limited experience in the BBL which he is hoping to rectify this season.

The Allambie Heights cricketer still lives at home with his family and brother Mikey, also part of the Sixers but out injured.

“I got started a pretty young age in the backyard with dad and Mickey,’ joined a team and have been playing ever since,’’ Edwards said.

“I was always just attracted to it. I always wanted to bowl. I always wanted to bowl and I always wanted to get better.

Blues bowler Jack Edwards celebrates dismissing Tigers batsmen Ben McDermott in the Sheffield Shield.
Blues bowler Jack Edwards celebrates dismissing Tigers batsmen Ben McDermott in the Sheffield Shield.

“I loved watching it on telly, Ponting, McGrath and Waugh.

“I didn’t model myself on them but I liked the way they went about it.’’

The 20-year-old plays golf to relax off a handicap of six.

“I’m pretty laid back,’’ he said.

“Away from cricket I just like to get down to the beach to chill out. Not surf though, I’m too tall and lanky.’’

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/manly-daily/sport/sydney-sixers-youngster-jack-edwards-could-be-bbl-big-hit/news-story/94704be84fbc48c40b92f72a9529cef5