Fifteen-year-old Caoimhe Bray had a sensational debut in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), making history as the youngest player ever to participate in the tournament. Just a month after celebrating her 15th birthday, she made an immediate impact while playing for the Sydney Sixers against the Melbourne Renegades on Sunday (October 27).
Caoimhe Bray’s historic WBBL debut
Sharing the field with her idol, Ellyse Perry, Bray’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. In her sole over, she took the coveted wicket of hard-hitting West Indian Deandra Dottin, who had previously smashed her first three deliveries for a six and two fours. Bray didn’t stop there; she also played a crucial role in securing victory for her team. Chasing runs in a tense match, she showcased her composure by scoring 12 not out off just five balls, including a crucial boundary off England’s Alice Capsey and a stunning cover drive against Sophie Molineux, clinching a three-wicket win for the Sixers. This memorable debut not only marked her entry into the WBBL but also established her as a rising star in Australian cricket.
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Everything you should know about 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray
1. Early Beginnings in Denman
Bray was born in Denman, located in the picturesque Hunter Region of New South Wales. From a tender age, she displayed a keen interest in sports, beginning her cricket journey by playing junior club cricket for her Under-11 side when she was just eight years old. Supported by her parents, mother Kim and father Gavin, Bray’s family nurtured her passion for both cricket and soccer, laying the groundwork for her future success.
2. Stellar Performance in Youth Cricket
In the recent season, Bray showcased her extraordinary talent in cricket by amassing an impressive 955 runs in the NSW Under-18 Brewer Shield. Her crowning achievement came when she scored an astonishing 202 runs off just 134 balls, leading the Greater Hunter Central Coast team to their first title in the prestigious competition. This remarkable feat not only highlighted her batting prowess but also established her as a formidable player in the youth cricket circuit.
3. All-Round Brilliance at the Under-19 Level
September marked a significant milestone in Bray’s cricket career as she earned a spot in the Australia Under-19 squad for a tri-series held in Brisbane. During this series, she delivered an outstanding all-round performance against New Zealand, scoring 84 runs and taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs. This performance underscored her versatility as a cricketer, making her a key player to watch in the coming years.
4. Tribute to Ellyse Perry
Bray’s admiration for fellow all-rounder Perry is reflected in her choice of jersey number. Initially wearing the No. 8 jersey as a tribute to Perry, who has been a significant influence on her life, Bray switched to the No. 18 when joining the Sydney Sixers, as her idol claimed the No. 8 for her own. This tribute highlights Bray’s respect for Perry and illustrates her ambition to emulate her success on the cricket field.
5. Football Achievements
Not only is Bray a rising star in cricket, but she is also a talented goalkeeper in soccer. At just 14 years old, she made her international debut for the CommBank Junior Matildas during the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia. Her exceptional skills on the football field were recognized when she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament during the National Youth Championships for Girls, affirming her status as a multi-sport athlete. Despite a three-year deal with Sixers she wants to continue her dual sport career.
6. Impact in the T20 Spring Challenge
Bray’s cricket journey continued as she secured a place in the Sydney Sixers’ T20 Spring Challenge squad. In this tournament, she made a significant impact by claiming five wickets in four games, including that of Laura Harris, who had recently scored an impressive 102 runs off just 46 balls. This performance demonstrated Bray’s ability to compete at a higher level and established her as a valuable player for the Sixers.
7. Balancing Multiple Sports and Education
Despite her busy sports schedule, Bray maintains a focus on her education. As a dedicated Year 9 student, she balances her academic responsibilities with her athletic pursuits. This commitment to both sports and studies showcases her determination and discipline, qualities that are essential for aspiring athletes. Despite a three-year deal with Sixers she wants to continue her dual sport career.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.