THE ENTERTAINER
I always believed I was going to become ‘something’. I liked the idea of entertaining people through cricket and felt from a young age that it would happen.
A lot of that confidence came from having parents who always told me I could be anything I wanted. I’m so lucky to have had that support and love.
In Year 12, I went through a phase of wanting to become a criminal defence lawyer, like in the movies. I got stress fractures in my back after an under-19’s Australian tour and missed a lot of cricket that year. It was a blessing because it meant I studied hard and got into Arts/Law at Deakin University.
My girlfriend Madi’s a lawyer now, but I didn’t continue with it. Ever since I moved to WA, it’s been cricket constantly.
When I finish my career, I’ll probably pursue something to do with fashion or design. But, deep down – since playing cricket with my brothers until dark every day – my goal was to play the game professionally.
The start of that journey came before the under-19s World Cup, while I was with the team at the Academy and I received a call from the WACA offering a full contract. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, it’s real’. I didn’t know anything about how it all worked, but I knew Victoria had plenty of spinners and there was more chance of playing first-class if I moved west.
It kickstarted everything and was also a chance to ‘do life’. I had to find my way around, make decisions on my own, learn to be organised, make dinner each night, deal with people…
It was good for my maturity. But things happened very quickly after that: it was barely one year between gaining that contract and making my Test debut.
TOO EARLY?
I believe that if someone’s good enough to be picked, then pick them, whatever their age. You can’t predict how they’re going to deal with it. Inevitably, some will fare better than others.
Sachin Tendulkar was picked at 16 and look what became of him. You shouldn’t protect someone from what may happen. That’s why I felt it was the right decision to pick me. I felt ready and so did the selectors.
The danger is, when you’re that young, you don’t really know yourself. Your natural style is all you have. If things go well, it’s all good. However, if they go wrong, there’s no depth to call on to modify your game.
In the second Test, at Lord’s, I didn’t take a wicket and we got smashed. I was so relieved to be dropped after that match. It was the start of a tough but important time for me, growing as a person and developing as a cricketer.
After the low of 2014, I began to turn the corner. Angie Bain, the WACA personal development manager, had been a great support. I started being communicative again and accepted that I’d gone through a hard time. Also, I had a shoulder reconstruction after the season. The chronic pain I’d been living with, I’m sure, had impacted my mental state.
It’s been a turbulent ride but I look at life and cricket more maturely now. I train with purpose and clarity. I’ve learnt what not to worry about. I accept my feelings and realise it’s OK to feel flat sometimes. I believe realistically in my ability and enjoy, aged 25, being a relatively experienced cricketer.
Things have clicked in the past couple of years. I’ve played two further Tests, against Bangladesh last year, and have had a really busy 2018, including playing for Australia in the limited overs series in England. Next up is the Big Bash League which, I’m not afraid to say, is my favourite competition.
In the BBL, there is pressure every ball. It’s a thrill to play in front of big and excited crowds. It takes me back to why I started playing cricket. It gives you the opportunity to do the magical things you dreamt of as a kid.
More about: Ashes | Big Bash League | Cricket World Cup | Justin Langer | Perth Scorchers | Phillip Hughes | Sheffield Shield | T20 | Test cricket | Western Australia cricket
Load More
