Hobart Hurricanes add 13-year-old Mia Barwick to squad for T20 Spring Challenge

A teenage fast bowler who is only a few years out of primary school is on the verge of a big-time debut.

Sam Konstas may be the teenager making cricket headlines, but a bowler six years his junior is on the verge of stepping into the big time.

The Hobart Hurricanes have called up 13-year-old Mia Barwick into the squad for the remainder of their T20 Spring Challenge campaign after Heather Graham received an SOS from the Australian team at the T20 World Cup in the wake of an injury to fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck.

Barwick, who has played for Tasmania in both the under 16 and under 19 national championships, could be in line for a game in the Hurricanes’ final two matches and possibly the competition’s finals.

She wore her Hurricanes uniform and ran drinks during Monday’s win over the Perth Scorchers.

“At only 13 years of age, the Hobart Hurricanes are proud to see a Cricket Tasmania pathways athlete given exposure to the professional game early on in Barwick’s career,” a Hurricanes statement said after Barwick was called up.

Teenagers playing in the WBBL is not new and Australian star Annabel Sutherland made her debut as a 15-year-old.

Mia Barwick has been called into the Hurricanes squad at just 13 years of age. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

The Spring Challenge was initiated after the WBBL season was reduced to bring it in line with the men’s BBL.

Whether Barwick will remain with the Hurricanes when the WBBL begins remains unclear, as Australia’s players at the T20 World Cup will be back.

But Konstas, who was called up to the Australia A squad that will play two games against India A following back-to-back Sheffield Shield centuries, will be in the Sydney Thunder squad for the BBL.

That’s if he’s not picked as an opening batter for Australia’s Test team after selection chief George Bailey confirmed that the 19-year-old was “in the mix” and NSW coach Greg Shipperd labelled him a star.

“I’ve seen young players come through over my journey of 50 years and he’s a special one,” Shipperd said.

“We’re looking forward to him playing well for us and I believe he is an Australian player in waiting.”

Originally published as Hobart Hurricanes add 13-year-old Mia Barwick to squad for T20 Spring Challenge