Happy cricket fan
Austin Kinaston got up close to his cricket heroes in December when he joined captains Kane Williamson and Dinesh Chandimal for the pre-match coin toss.
Ten-year-old Austin, who attends Hiwinui School, won the ANZ Coin Toss kid competition and joined the two team captains on the pitch to decide the batting and bowling order prior to the Black Caps vs Sri Lanka match.
Austin said it was awesome getting to meet the captains and he hopes to play for the Black Caps when he’s older.
“I loved getting to be a part of the coin toss and meeting the captains. It was also cool being on TV and having my photo taken with the captains and with my favourite Black Cap Ross Taylor.”
ANZ head of sponsorship Sue McGregor said Austin was one of 23 young cricketers selected to take part in the pre-match ritual this cricket season.
She continued that ANZ believed it’s important to involve and encourage young cricketers, which is why they continued to support grassroots sports.
“We hope that when they meet their idols out on the pitch, they are inspired to continue training hard and pursuing their dreams,” she said.
The coin toss competition is one part of ANZ’s long-standing support of Kiwi cricketers. Since 2009 ANZ has given more than $900,000 to help cricket players achieve their cricket goals.
Applications are also open for an ANZ On Your Team grant and asking what they can do to get behind your team this summer, whether it’s gear you’re after or a unique experience with your heroes — tell ANZ what could give you the edge.
Cricket players, clubs, teams and fans across New Zealand can apply at anzcricketworld.co.nz.