Bradman Cup 2023/24: 15-year-old Greater Illawarra all-rounder Blake Cattle crowned player of the tournament

He was a class above the rest at the 2023/24 Bradman Cup, taking out the inaugural Nathan Lyon medal for player of the tournament. Meet the young all-rounder from the Illawarra who is fast rising in the cricket space.

Blake Cattle bowling for Greater Illawarra. Picture: John Appleyard

When it comes to promising cricket talents in the Illawarra, look no further than 15-year-old Blake Cattle.

The young all-rounder is in some form to savour at the moment, having just come off a massive Bradman Cup campaign, where he was crowned the inaugural Nathan Lyon medal recipient for the player of the tournament.

This is the latest jewel in the crown for the talented youngster, who is showing no signs of slowing down as he climbs the cricketing ranks.

“I’m pretty stoked to get it, especially being a year young as well,” Cattle said.

“I played in the tournament last year, so that gave me a lot of confidence coming into this year.

Safe hands at the crease. Blake Cattle batting for Greater Illawarra in the Bradman Cup. Picture: Kevin Merrigan

“Last year I was more of a bowler, so the first few games this year I was just getting settled in. Then in the second part of the tournament down here (Wollongong), I just got more confident with the bat, started playing more shots around the ground.”

His confidence translated to his scoring, putting 305 runs on the board throughout the competition, which was second overall to Newcastle’s Lucas Vincent.

His final day haul of 123 not out against Central Coast was the highest individual run total of the carnival, contributing to his tremendous average of 76.25.

Blake Cattle is developing into a fine spin bowler. Picture: John Appleyard

“I was very happy with the scores coming off the bat,” Cattle said.

“My goal was to get a couple of 100s this season, so now I’ve got one so far.”

“It’s definitely a challenge, coming up against the best 15-year-olds in the state. There’s a lot more pace bowlers and spinners, which makes it a lot more challenging than the normal rep competitions we play locally.”

Cattle was on target with the ball as well, averaging over a wicket a game with nine to his name, his best figures being 4-27 against Newcastle.

Blake isn’t the only of the Cattle clan to be tearing it up with bat and ball, with brothers Ryan, 17, and Rhys, 19, both playing as well.

All three brothers got into the game at young ages, playing with the plastic bat and ball down at the park with their dad.

These days, Ryan joins his brother at local club level to play for Keira in Cricket Illawarra’s first grade, also playing rep level for Sutherland in the Poidevin-Gray Shield, as well as representing NSW Country in the U19 National Championships in December.

Cattle brothers Ryan (left) and Rhys (right). Pictures: Kevin Merrigan, GICZ Facebook

Rhys is also killing it with bat and ball, playing for Sutherland in the Belvidere Cup first grade, as well as the Poidevin-Gray Shield.

Naturally, with so many talented cricketers in the family, there’s bound to be some fiery backyard cricket competitions.

“I’ve got him these days,” Cattle said confidently in response to playing in the backyard with brother Rhys.

Coaching the Greater Illawarra Bradman Cup side during the Bradman Cup was Mitch Calder, who highlighted that Cattle is “ticking all the boxes” with his development at the moment.

Blake Cattle bowling for St George in the Green Shield. Picture: Sean Teuma

“He’s a really talented player and it’s awesome to see him have the results he’s worked so hard for,” Calder said.

“He’s a nice player to have in pressure situations, he really stood up while we were under the pump.

“I think he’ll continue to develop skills with both bat and ball … in pro cricket now, especially in the Big Bash, being a versatile all-rounder is more advantageous in trying to make sides.

“So he’ll continue to develop both skills … hopefully he continues to work hard and train and in the next few years, hopefully make a national side.”

Cattle will round off his season playing Green Shield with St George and club cricket with Keira, hoping to continue to improve his game and have a crack at playing national under-17s a year young next season.