Women’s T20 World Cup: Annabel Sutherland a true allrounder on and off the field
Annabel Sutherland’s thirst for self improvement stretches beyond the cricket field, with the teenager Ellyse Perry says “could be one of the best ever” balancing a science degree with preparations for a home World Cup.
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Annabel Sutherland will start her first semester of university at the same time as pursuing a home World Cup win, because doing two things at once is how she works best.
School and cricket, like batting and bowling, have always been the healthiest mix for the 18-year-old all-rounder who made her international debut in Canberra last weekend against England.
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Sutherland, the daughter of former Cricket Australia boss James, skipped a series of WBBL games late last year to complete school exams, but still did more than enough to earn a national call-up.
She also settled on a science degree and signed up for classes to provide the perfect fill-in for the “junk time” Sutherland will enjoy as she embarks on the life of a touring international cricketer.
“I think I am constantly learning, on and off the field. We are on tour, we have our own rooms, a bit of downtime by myself, so I am working out my uni stuff as well,” Sutherland said this week, preparing for her first home international at the Junction Oval.
“It starts pretty much alongside the World Cup. I enjoy having something on the side.
“I really liked having school alongside cricket. Having people five or six years older than you in your team versus friends at school. I enjoyed the contrast, and they were two such different things, it was good to have both going on.”
Aussie star Ellyse Perry, who first played for Australia as a 17-year-old herself, last week said Sutherland could be “one of the best we’ve ever produced", before her new teammate had even played.
“It’s scary to think how much further she can go,” Perry said.
It was a significant wrap but not undeserved for Sutherland, a prodigy who made her WBBL debut at just 15.
Net sessions on Saturday with her Sheffield Shield winning dad, backyard sessions with her Big Bash playing brother Will and a significant sprinkling of cricket in her DNA were a good pointer to success.
But nothing comes without hard work and a steely determination.
Sutherland ticks both boxes and the focus on her face as she bowled her first ball last week was indicative of the intense and deliberate method she takes to her game.
“I’ve got my own set of cues I am thinking through. At that point in time I am not letting anything else distract me,” she said.
“I’m not sure what my facial expressions look like, but I am thinking about getting the ball down the other end.”
But her bowling was bested by a batting effort which sent her teammates in to meltdown and showed Sutherland was ready for international cricket.
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Needing 40 runs off the last three overs to win, Sutherland, on debut, smashed 22 off 11 balls and teammate Delissa Kimmince 15 off six, to take the match to a super-over.
England prevailed, but it was a significant marker set down by such a young player who knows she’s where she belongs.
“It was really good fun. I was out there with DK and we had a bit of freedom, we needed nearly 14 an over when I came out,” Sutherland said.
“I’ve always had a sense of belief in my game, but it’s nice to taste a little bit of success to have a bit more faith.”