SAMMY-JO ON CUSP OF HER ASHES DREAMS
WHEN the women’s Ashes series begins tomorrow in Brisbane, Sammy-Jo Johnson will be watching with interest.
The Gold Coast Dolphins star bowling all-rounder, who trains or plays cricket seven days a week, scored an invaluable opportunity during the winter to join the national squad.
A number of training sessions plus a practice match on the Sunshine Coast opened her eyes to just how realistic her dream of playing for Australia really is.
“It was nice to get a taste of what the level is like that those girls play at,” she said.
“As I have gotten older, smarter and fitter and understand my game a bit more, it certainly has made me realise that I do have the skills to be able to play at that level.
“It’s just a matter of making sure I stay nice and fit and just be consistent with my performances.
“It’s all about performances at the end of the day – if you are playing well they are going to give you a crack.”
Johnson has been in the Queensland Fire set-up since debuting in 2011.
At club level in the Katherine Raymont Shield, which takes a break this weekend for the Brisbane Ashes match, she and Delissa Kimmince are the big names in Dolphins colours.
The chance to play a leadership role in the young squad has done wonders for her game, she feels.
Between her cricketing exploits, the 24-year-old balances running her own garden and landscaping business, studying to become a qualified gardener and working part-time for Supercheap Auto. With her dynamic batting improving to complement her pace bowling, she is set to be a key player for the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League this summer.