Cricket NSW: Meet the 22 rising stars with a Basil Sellers scholarship
The state’s next generation of cricketers have been identified after Cricket NSW announced this season’s intake of Basil Sellers scholars. FULL LIST OF 22.
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Now in its 18th season, the Basil Sellers Emerging Players program assists elite talent who have the potential to earn a NSW or rookie contract.
With an alumni that includes current Australian captains Pat Cummins and Alyssa Healy alongside the likes of Steve Smith, Ash Gardner and young gun Phoebe Litchfield, there’s no shortage of inspiration for this year’s intake of 22 rising stars.
For 18-year-old Charlie Anderson, the right-arm paceman from the Northern District Cricket Club enters his second season in the program.
Now studying Education and Sports Science at the Australian Catholic University, the Aussie U19 rep couldn’t be happier with his progress.
“Just getting selected for a Basil Sellers Scholarship gives you confidence,” said Anderson.
“It can be quite daunting mixing with first grade players, but it gives you belief that you belong and then an incentive to try and dominate.
“The financial assistance means I can focus more time and energy on my cricket, and there is also a two-year deal with Kookaburra to assist with equipment.”
Already in the NSW pathways program and rounding out preparations for a long club season, for young guns like Anderson, fitting more cricket into an already busy program can be difficult.
“The scholarship program is really flexible,” he said.
“Most of the players train with their club and the NSW academy, but the Basil Sellers program provides opportunities to do extra training. Like joining the Blues squad at training or organising private sessions with different coaches.”
But the benefits extend well beyond the boundary ropes.
“There is also a variety of workshops,” said Anderson.
“Just recently we had a session with Greg Chappell focusing on mental aspects. Just hearing his own experiences on dealing with adversity was amazing.”
With an eye on next year’s U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Anderson is also using the program to expand his game.
“This year I’m placing a big focus on my batting. There’s the assistance with equipment, but it’s also the opportunity to access batting coaches and organise private sessions,” he said.
“I definitely want to keep getting better with the ball, but I really want to make some moves up the order in first grade.”
Meet the 22 rising stars of NSW cricket.
TIER 1: SHORT TERM POTENTIAL FOR STATE/ROOKIE CONTRACT
CHARLIE ANDERSON (NORTHERN DISTRICT)
Last season Anderson took the new rock for the all conquering Blues in Adelaide at the U19 national championships. Tall and lively, the right-arm quick did enough to be named in the Australian U19 squad that hosted England.
Already making a name for himself with bat and ball on the first grade scene, Anderson is currently recovering from back stress fractures, which are expected to keep him sidelined until mid-October.
ELLA BRISCOE (ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND)
Still only 17, last summer the bustling quick led the NSW U19 attack in Perth. Also handy with the bat, the hard hitting middle order specialist can also adjust the pace of her innings to the needs of the team.
Destined for higher honours, last summer Briscoe was called up to the Sydney Thunder T20 squad.
SIENNA EVE (NORTHERN DISTRICT)
A proud Novocastrian, Eve’s left-arm orthodox spin was used to good effect for NSW Country at last season’s U19 nationals.
Known for tight lines and economical returns, Eve thrives in the short formats and more than holds her own with willow in the middle order.
RYAN HICKS (MOSMAN)
A superb gloveman and punishing right-hander, Hicks had a breakout summer last season. Pouched an astonishing eight catches to claim the player of the match award in the U19 nationals final, where he also top scored for NSW.
For Mosman, Hicks scored his maiden first grade ton, and was recently selected in the Australian U19 World Cup preliminary squad.
ELSA HUNTER (PENRITH)
Another NSW rep at last summer’s U19 nationals, the right-hand top order specialist played several match defining digs and gained valuable experience as part of the leadership group.
Hunter has also represented Malaysia in international competition, and is currently undertaking the HSC at Hills Sports High.
SAM KONSTAS (SUTHERLAND)
Seems to have been on the NSW radar for an eternity. Still only 17, the prolific right-hand opener holds a stack of junior run scoring records and last November cracked his maiden top grade ton at better than a run-a-ball.
One of several Blues touring England with the U19 Australian side, Konstas has been short-listed for the U19 World Cup and appears destined for a prosperous future.
LAUREN KUA (MANLY-WARRINGAH)
The highly rated all-rounder’s class has been rewarded with a third Basil Sellers scholarship. Dynamic with the bat, Kua scores runs on either side of the wicket and attacks the stumps with accurate leg-spin.
A NSW pathways regular, the 18-year-old has leadership capabilities and is currently studying Commerce and Psychology.
RAFAEL MACMILLAN (ST GEORGE)
The tall 18-year-old offie announced himself last season with selection for NSW against the touring West Indians. Consistent across all formats, the St George tweaker delivers with turn and bounce and is likely to be on the plane to Sri Lanka for the U19 World Cup.
FRANKIE NICKLIN (UNIVERSITIES)
An all-rounder on the move, Nicklin has already suited up for the NSW Breakers and continues to develop her skills with winter trips to England.
A determined top order bat, the right-hander’s off-spin continues to evolve, and last season she snared a hat-trick for NSW at the U19 nationals.
KATE PELLE (PARRAMATTA)
Last summer, Pelle’s punishing performance with the bat overshadowed the Parramatta opener’s class behind the stumps.
In 12 innings in the top grade, the right-hander blasted 365 runs at better than a run-a-ball with an average of 40. Her reward came with Australian U19 selection at last season’s World Cup in South Africa.
JAKE SCOTT (WAGGA WAGGA/PENRITH)
One of several country cricketers on the program, the Wagga Wagga leftie has impressed with his ability to score all around the ground.
Made to move to Penrith last season where immediately hit top gear with an unbeaten 148 in the Poidevin Gray Shield (U21). Enters his second summer on the Basil Sellers books.
HARJAS SINGH (WESTERN SUBURBS)
He may only be 18, but Singh knows the ropes better than most. Two summers ago, the elegant left-hander became the eight youngest to notch a Sydney first grade ton while still only 16.
Dominated for the Blues at last year’s U19 nationals hitting two centuries and was named in the Aussie squad that hosted England.
TOM STRAKER (SUTHERLAND)
Tall and super quick, Straker is a rare and awkward commodity who is now nudging the 140km/h barrier.
Opened the bowling for NSW U19s, and helped the Blues to victory in the final last season against Queensland. Snared 15 first grade wickets last summer and all going well should will be one to watch at the U19 World Cup.
TIER 2: FUTURE POTENTIAL FOR STATE/ROOKIE CONTRACT
LUKE CALLANAN (GORDON)
One of the strongest athletes in the NSW U19s squad last season, Callanan is a right-arm speedster on the rise who is primed for a big summer with Gordon.
ANGUS CAMPBELL (GREATER ILLAWARRA)
Dominated at last season’s Country Colts Championships where the attacking right hander earned his selection for NSW Country U19s.
Just as dangerous off the front and back foot, he’s expected to reach another level with more guidance.
JESS DAVIDSON (UNIVERSITIES)
A tall right-arm quick, the 20-year-old showed her class last season where she represented the NSW Breakers in two matches.
Has come through the pathways program and also featured in the Sydney Thunder squad.
TARA FRENCH (NORTHERN DISTRICT)
Learned to bowl quick in Terrigal and hasn’t disappointed for Northern District in the Sydney grade scene.
Played for NSW Country last season at the U19 nationals, and will look to build on that experience this season.
CAMERON FRENDO (FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL)
One of a host of rising stars to come out of the Fairfield-Liverpool club, Frendo has impressed in first grade with his left-arm orthodox and has long been on the NSW radar.
In a major stepping stone, last July he earned selection in the Australian U19 squad.
EMMA HUGHES (PENRITH)
Nearing her 23rd birthday, Hughes could be considered an anomaly in the program.
Having already played for the Sixers and Breakers, the right-arm pace bowler earns her place after injury ruled her out for a large portion of last season.
SHIVANI MEHTA (MANLY WARRINGAH)
A classy right-hand batter, Mehta opened the batting for the NSW Breakers in two matches last season and scored over 400 runs for club side Manly.
ANGUS PARSONS (MOSMAN)
A promising right-arm paceman from Bathurst, Parsons has already played first grade for Mosman and is building a reputation for his nagging out swing.
CAMERON TUNKS (NORTHERN DISTRICT)
Tunks is among a long list of batting talent fighting for recognition in the junior reps. Just missed selection for NSW at last season’s U19 nationals, but such is his high regard, the selectors found a spot for him in the Northern Territory squad.
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