Junior Sports Star: Bankstown junior cricketer makes local cricket history

At just 16, Thomas has made cricketing history.

Thomas Sowden plays grade cricket for Bankstown Cricket Club. Picture: Carmela Roche

At just 16, Thomas has made cricketing history.

The young Bankstown cricketer is the first millennial to play in the first grade division of the Sydney grade competition, filling in for one match earlier this year.

The young all-rounder. 16, is on his way upwards, having also been selected for the NSW metropolitan under-17 earlier this month.

Last year he was part of the winning team in the under-15 Schoolboys National Championship.

A quick look at his performance statistics reveals a talented young athlete with focus.

This season, Thomas scored five half centuries and averaged 30.76 runs across all competitions.

Thomas has been nominated for the Junior Sports Star award. Picture: Carmela Roche

At this rate the leg-spinning batsman is well on his way to realising his dream of playing professionally for Australia.

His father, Darren Sowden, said he was proud of his son, who trains up to four days a week.

Having shown an interest in the sport since he was six, Thomas began playing for his local club in Campbelltown before graduating to grade cricket with Bankstown Cricket Club.

In his time with the club he has represented Bankstown in the second and first grade competitions, competing alongside veterans such as first grade captain Jarrad Burke and top order batsman Phil Wells.

Thomas is The Express’ latest nominee for the Junior Sports Star awards, sponsored by Rebel.

To nominate someone you know see juniorsportsstar.com.au.