JAMES’S CUP CALL
WORLD’S BEST AWAIT
HIS Australian debut is still three days away but Gold Coast indoor cricketer James Carmichael is already eyeing his next international assignment.
Player of the final in Queensland’s victorious national title campaign in July, Carmichael will leave for New Zealand tomorrow as part of Australia’s squad for the Junior World Series from September 30 to October 6.
The 17-year-old from Molendinar only took up the indoor game three years ago after starting outdoor cricket at the age of eight, and will continue his development with Queensland at next year’s national under-21 championships.
He is hoping some impressive performances in New Zealand will pave the way for more appearances in the green and gold.
“I’ve made the Queensland under-21 side so (I’m eligible) for Australian under21s next year. They have a trans-Tasman series with New Zealand (in September 2019) so it would be good to make that side as well,” the Southport High School student said.
“I’m nervous (about the Junior World Series) and I’m excited at the same time. I was over the moon (to make the team). I was the last one selected.
“I’m nervous because I don’t know what the other countries are like and how they will play. I’m really excited to get over there and make some new friends and play some cricket.
“My goal is to finish within the top half of our team in figures and stats. I’m hoping to make the final (World VIII team) for the end of the week.”
Carmichael’s path to the Australian side was not without drama, with a blood nose in the national under-17 final temporarily forcing him from the court.
He returned to claim man of the match honours and will also lead the charge for outdoor club Mudgeeraba Nerang in this season’s Kookaburra Cup.
“I probably prefer indoor over outdoor at the moment. It’s a lot more enjoyable than outdoor because sometimes with outdoor you might just be standing there for three hours, whereas indoor is a more fast-paced game.”
Australia will take on South Africa in their first game at the Junior World Series, which also includes England, New Zealand, New Zealand A and Singapore.