AGS cricket: Misha Campbell becomes first female player for Peninsula Grammar

Cricket greats Meg Lanning and Belinda Clark sent messages of support to Misha Campbell ahead of her debut in the AGS First XI competition.

Misha Campbell receives her First XI cap from Peninsula Grammar School coach Barry Neivandt.

It was a historic selection for Peninsula Grammar School’s First XI cricket team.

Misha Campbell became the first female to represent the firsts when she was picked to play against Assumption College at Kilmore in the AGS competition Saturday.

The all-rounder plays for Moorooduc in the Mornington Peninsula association and during the season represented Dandenong in the Victorian Premier Cricket Under 18 girls series.

She also turned out for the Mt Martha women’s team and for Mornington Peninsula in the Under 17 Mel Jones Shield in the VMCU carnival.

Ahead of her debut for Peninsula Grammar Misha received video clips of encouragement from legendary Australian batter Belinda Clarke and national captain Meg Lanning.

Lanning herself had become the first female player to represent the Carey Grammar First XI.

“Just wanted to wish you the best of luck for tomorrow’s game,’’ Lanning said in the clip.

“It’s a great effort to be selected. Very well deserved and it’s great to see another girl playing in the competition and taking it up to the boys.

“I know you’ll be a little bit nervous – I certainly was before my first game. It’s a great game to play, it’s a great competition to play in and I’m sure you’ll challenge yourself and enjoy it as well. So make the most of it and have fun.’’

Clark said: “You might be the first female but let’s hope you’re not the last. I’m looking forward to checking the scores and see how you go but most of all enjoy it.’’

Peninsula Grammar coach Barry Neivandt said Misha was a talented player, a great person and a determined competitor.

He said the Year 12 student would go on to good things in cricket.

Earlier this season Mentone Grammar selected Evie Stansby, Mischa’s Dandenong Under 18 teammate, to debut in its First XI.