Rising Australian cricketers gearing up for a shot at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games
With Olympic gold now a realistic dream for Australian cricketers, we reveal a list of junior stars that may well find themselves padding up at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
After more than 120 years in the Olympic wilderness, Australian cricketers can now add gold to their list of dreams.
From 2028, it will be tonker heaven in Los Angeles when the men’s and women’s T20 teams aim for the podium.
Then four years later, it will be all roads to the Sunshine State for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
With nine years of blood, sweat and tears to pass under the bridge before Queensland host the games, we’ve dusted off the crystal ball and revealed some of the names that could carry the hopes of a nation.
While current Aussie young guns Cameron Green and Phoebe Litchfield will be 33 and 29 respectively, there’s a growing generation of talent gearing up for inclusion.
To understand the type of player required, we reached out to prominent junior coach Ray ‘Macca’ McMurrich to find out how the modern breed go about their work.
“The subtleties of the game aren’t seen as often as they used to be,” said McMurrich, who helped put rising NSW all-rounder Will Salzmann on a path to IPL riches.
“Kids practise the reverse sweep and the ramp, and the bowlers have multiple slower balls.
“T20 has upskilled every cricketer and strike rates have become more important than averages,” he said.
“It’s the fielding too, if you can’t field, you’re not going to play at the highest level.”
Here’s 10 names with an eye on 2032.
Men to follow...
WOMEN
KATE PELLE - PARRAMATTA
A current member of the NSW Metro side competing at the under-19 national championships in Brisbane, Pelle is a 17-year-old wicketkeeper and powerhouse at the top of the order.
Opens the batting in first grade for club side Parramatta and with a taste of WBBL this season, come 2032 she could well be among the Aussie leadership group.
KATE MCTAGGART - NEWCASTLE
An all-rounder from Newcastle, McTaggart made her first grade debut in Sydney last season with the Northern District club while still only 15.
A right-hand stroke maker, the 17-year-old continues to shine in the NSW pathways and has the strength with both bat and ball to develop into a long term prospect.
ALEX MAVROS - UTS NORTH SYDNEY
A 16-year-old tearaway with the new ball, Mavros played first grade at Parramatta before making the move to North Sydney with sisters Sophia and Aurora.
A gifted athlete, the right-armer is on track to become one of the quickest in Sydney. Can also produce rapid fire runs in the middle order, while in the field there’s none better.
CAOIMHE BRAY - CENTRAL NORTH
If there can ever be another Ellyse Perry, then this budding Newcastle all-rounder ticks all the right boxes.
Bowls fast and continues to crack big scores at better than a run-a-ball. And last summer at just 13, she represented NSW Country at the U19 nationals.
The problem for Cricket Australia lies in the fact that she hopes to represent the Matildas. Already in the Newcastle Jets Academy, one way or another, Bray is on a fast track to Olympic stardom.
JAANIYA SHAH - NORTHERN DISTRICT
Still eligible for U15s, Shah is an all-rounder sharpening her skills in Sydney with Northern District.
A regular in U18s Brewer Shield, she’s dangerous in the field, scores at a great clip and delivers a heavy ball.
Still to perform on a consistent basis, the feedback from opposition clubs suggests she’s definitely one junior to note in the black book.
NEHA JOSHUA - PARRAMATTA
One of a long list of quality Parramatta juniors, Joshua is an imposing figure at the top of the order and with the new ball in the Brewer Shield.
Strong through the hips, she generates more pace than most and hits the ball as hard as anyone.
Has the stats to back it up, and just can’t get enough of the game she loves.
SAM KUNCHAM - UTS NORTH SYDNEY
Typical of the U18s age group, Kuncham enjoys her role with bat and ball. Explosive in both disciplines, the pathways rep has the stats to compete with the best.
But with an ability to perform under pressure, at this early stage, the Norths all-rounder sits slightly ahead of her nearest competitors.
ELLA BRISCOE - ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND
In a list of long shots, Briscoe holds her ground as good as any.
Has been at the forefront along each step of the NSW pathways and at 18, has the strength to dominate with the new ball and as a batter in the top order.
Was a fringe member of the Sydney Thunder campaign earlier this season and is a key member in St George-Sutherland’s top grade.
LUCIA MARTIN - ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND
A couple of years behind Briscoe, Martin is another all-rounder from St George-Sutherland destined for higher honours.
Bowls pace with a high and repeatable action, and in the U18s she one of the competition’s top batters. A natural leader, the rising star has already made an impression with the state’s junior selectors.
NATALIE WILLIAMS - PARRAMATTA
These days leg-spinners are a staple on the international T20 stage, and in 13-year-old Natalie Williams, Parramatta can see a prosperous future.
In the local leagues, the left-arm wristy is too smart for the boys and with a strong action and push through the crease, she gets around the park with an obvious swagger.
MEN to follow..
Bash, crash! Superstar Sydney to Hobart supermaxi back for 2024 race
When you are a star of the Paris Olympics opportunities come your way but it still hasn’t guaranteed this gun a ride on the most famous ocean mauler in the world in the Sydney to Hobart
Super stats! Gun quartet, best teen rugby players in Australia
The numbers are in and a quartet of players stand out on the statistic sheet heading into round four of Super Rugby U16s and U19s. Leading points scorers, try scorers, tacklers and statistical stars here.