TARA’S TREK: DOLPHINS YOUNG GUN KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE IN CRICKET QUEST

TARA Wheeler barely noticed when she cruised past her career high-score and into the “nervous nineties” in a top-of-the-table Katherine Raymont Shield clash with UQ in October.

The 20-year-old all-rounder (right) had been otherwise occupied, humming along to the strumming guitars of Gang of Youths’ 2017 hit, Let Me Down Easy.

There’s one line in particular that singer Dave Leaupepe growls into the microphone during the chorus that catches on her tongue every time Wheeler sings along: “Don’t stop, don’t stop believing.”

Wheeler ran out of time to score her maiden first grade century – she blasted 14 off the final over of the innings – but there’s little doubt what lyric would have soundtracked her raising of the bat had she faced another over.

The Aussie rock anthem is a triumphant ode to conquering fear and self-doubt.

It resonates deeply with Wheeler, who has battled anxiety about earning her place at the Dolphins since her 2013 debut at age 14.

“I think belief is the big thing I’ve realised this year,” Wheeler said.

“Now I have the confidence I can win a game for the team.”

The singing, whistling and humming is all part of the plan to quieten her mind long enough to smack a boundary or lay a trap with her leg-spin.

“I try my best to zone out because I’m an overthinker,” she said.

“If I keep a clear head I play better than by thinking and over-analysing.

“For my 95 (not out) I was singing the whole time.”

Wheeler is never short of musical inspiration because she spends hours on the road each week, travelling to games and training from her family home in Manly, east of Brisbane.

Her Triple-J radio favourites Meg Mac, WAAX, G-Flip and Gang of Youths have replaced mum and dad for carride companionship since their daughter earned her P-plates.

They had driven plenty themselves in the years since they first encouraged a 14year-old Tara to join coach Gary Lovett at the Dolphins.

Earning the trust of modern Queensland greats Delissa Kimmince and Sammy Jo Johnson at the club was the start of Wheeler’s journey to believing in herself.

“It scared the s--- out of me at first (to play alongside them),” she said.

“It did a lot for my self-confidence, especially if they handed me the ball and I’d take a wicket.

“That’s where my self-confidence comes from, their belief in me.”