MATURITY GIVES AMY A BIG EDGE
RISING Far North cricket star Amy Hunter was barely a fortnight into her 2023 when she was back on the road, interstate, representing her state.
Hunter is coming off the biggest year of her cricket career to date, and her rise shows no sign of slowing with a jam-packed schedule. And with that will come more improvements to her game, which will set her on track to bigger and better things.
Hunter’s immense 2022 featured a dazzling line-up of leading competitions and opportunities that provide evidence of her standing.
She was the first female to play in the Barrier Reef Big Bash, represented Queensland Country, took part in the girls BPL carnivals and was key at the state schoolgirls titles.
The 17-year-old also played club cricket fixtures in the Far North and in Brisbane, made her first grade debut for Atherton, and she has been a regular visitor to Brisbane to play for the Sunshine Coast Scorchers in the first grade women’s competition.
She finished the year with representative honours, lining up for Queensland’s under-19s, and started her 2023 on tour for Queensland Country. “I think that’s it,” she said with a laugh.
Hunter is a quality pace bowler who relishes line and length, and is no slouch with the bat regardless of when she walks to crease.
But the biggest improvement to her game over the past 12 months has nothing to do with the physical side of the game.
“Hopefully my peers say the same, but my maturity around the game has definitely improved,” Hunter said.
“How I look at the game has grown, I’ve noticed I’m thinking more of the tactical side and understanding there’s a lot of ways to play cricket and contribute to a team or in a game.
“That’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed over the past 12 months, the growth in that area.”
This was most evident when she played for Queensland’s under-19s, and while she is generally a go-to bowler or gamebreaker, she had to adapt to a different role for a state side overflowing with talent.
“It was definitely a step up to what I have been playing,” Hunter said.
“Playing against a lot of contracted girls from other states, it really opened my eyes.
“I found it to be a great experience, I had a lot of fun as well.
“The biggest thing is being adaptable in my role and what I do for the team. That more than anything. I picked up things along the way with my game but that was a big thing.
“Of course, I knew this, but it was evident this carnival that you won’t be needed for the same thing in every team.
“It was really good to learn to put myself in different roles when needed.”
And working closely with former Queensland and Australian star Delissa Kimmince only added to the experience, as the allrounder passed on key tips to the team.
“It was amazing having her there, all of her knowledge around the game,” Hunter said.
“Even the emotions you might be feeling during a game, she’s experienced all of them.
“She’s been playing for however long, she’s been through these pathways.
“It was great for the game side of it, but the emotional and mental side of it as well, because she understood.”