Australian all-rounder Heather Graham an asset for NT Cricket

An Australian international has been generously donating her time to nurturing and developing emerging cricket talent in the Territory. Find out why here.

Northern Territory Female Academy players training with Australian all-rounder Heather Graham. Picture: Prav Thalagampala/NT Cricket

The Top End cricket fraternity has been blessed by a current Australian contracted player’s generous nature.

Aussie international Heather Graham has been volunteering her spare time while in Darwin with the Northern Territory’s female academy.

The 28 year-old Western Australian, who boasts a ODI cap and five T20I caps, has been giving her time to the local juniors out at Marrara with NT Cricket Female Academy and its players.

A super all-rounder, Graham has an incredible resume in the WBBL, amassing 1560 total runs and 141 wickets across 138 matches.

Heather Graham of Australia celebrates the wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur of India during the T20 International series – 2022. Picture: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images

And it’s not just the Big Bash where Graham has impressed either.

She has spent time in the WIPL, The Hundred as well as State and County cricket.

In the Top End visiting her partner, Graham said she’s been impressed with the state of play, across the board.

“I’m here for the next month before I head off to England, so I’ve been visiting my partner who is up here for a year for work,” she said.

“I’ve been training three times a week with (her mate) Trent (Keep), and I’ve been coaching some of the girls on Monday’s.

“It’s been impressive to see what the team (NT Cricket) is doing in the women’s and girl’s space and that they are very focused on growing the sport and improving the players.

Graham also said that while there is a contingent of Aussie Women’s players headed to Darwin later this month, she’d like to see the women’s teams play here like the men – who’ll face South Africa later this year.

“Definitely, it would be great to see women’s games played up here in the future,” she said.

Northern Territory Female Academy players training with Australian all-rounder Heather Graham. Picture: Prav Thalagampala/NT Cricket

NT Cricket pathway & talent development coach Trent Keep said the addition of Graham has been massive for the academy.

“Players have loved having Heather around, having access to a current Australian female cricketer has been nothing short of unreal for the girls in the pathway,” Keep said.

“Being able to listen, learn and ask questions … massive plus.

“As a current contracted player, Heather has brought professionalism, lived experience and a genuine connection to the NT.”

Keep said he has been chuffed to work with Graham and that she has taken on this role by herself, without a request from NT Cricket.

“The key point from me is that as cricket in the Territory continues to grow, it’s another testament to the hard work of the entire team that an Australian player would reach out to use our world class facilities,” he explained.

“Personally it’s been great to build rapport with Heather and coach her at her own skills sessions at DXC.

“Additionally, no one asked Heather to help with our academy.

“It has been extremely self driven and she has volunteered to help, which speaks volumes of the person she is.”