Param Uppal, Brayden DeVries star for Tasmania at Australian Country Cricket Championships

With Tasmania making cricketing history at the recent Country Championships, a star ensured it was a tournament he won’t forget. While a teammate left his own mark.

Brayden Devries and Param Uppal.

Already part of Tasmanian cricket history, Param Uppal ensured he’ll never forget the Australian Country Championships.

A star for University in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League, the 26-year-old was named as the player of the tournament after scoring 216 runs at an average of 30.86 and taking five wickets.

The tournament, held in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, was the first time the state had entered a team against the best regional cricketers from across the country.

“I was pretty honoured and privileged to be a part of the Tassie squad. It was a nice little reward to get at the end, the boys worked really hard, and I think we’re all grateful for the opportunity,” Uppal said reflecting on the tournament.

“The standard of cricket was really high. It was a great opportunity for us to showcase our skills and test ourselves against some really good players.

“I feel like I’ve been in pretty good form and just wanted to continue that. I knew my role would be to mentor some of the younger kids who were coming through and giving them as much experience and knowledge as possible.”

Tasmania eventually finished the tournament in fourth place with a record of four wins and five losses.

There was also individual success for Ulverstone District’s Brayden DeVries who took home the Sir Donald Bradman award as the competition’s leading run scorer.

He finished with 327 runs at an average of 40.88 to also be named in the team of the tournament alongside Uppal.

“I thought he was outstanding,” Uppal said of DeVries.

“Obviously he’s from up north and we haven’t had the chance to see much of him. I think he really made the most of his opportunity with the most runs.”

Given the experience Uppal and his teammates had, the University star has backed a return in future.

“I think with the tournament based style puts players under a bit of pressure.

“Once you realise how much of an effort it is to play three or four days and be put in pretty precious situations, it teaches you a lot.”