Cricketer to make NZ debut indoors
It’s probably no surprise that Saffron Wilson lists Amelia Kerr as one of her favourite cricket players.
Seeing as Wilson, 15, dreams of representing New Zealand in the future, the idea that Kerr has already made her White Ferns debut at 16 makes that long-term goal seem that much more achievable.
‘‘She’s a really inspiring person, to be able to go that far at the age of 16 [is incredible], her perseverance towards the game and how many hours she trains, because she trains a fair bit,’’ the Nelson College for Girls student said, listing off the reasons why she’s inspired by Kerr.
Wilson is set to represent New Zealand for the first time, selected in the under-22 women’s team for the Indoor Cricket World Cup in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
She will be joined by another Nelson player, Claudia Green.
Wilson, an all-rounder for Wakatu’s second grade team, said she started playing indoor cricket in order to continue her development during the winter months and never thought opportunities such as this would eventuate.
Wilson’s grandfather, Michael Wilson, was an opening bowler for Central Districts and she said her family has always had a big influence on her sport. So the Wilsons were clearly buzzing at the prospect of her wearing the silver fern at an international event.
‘‘It’s a bit overwhelming. It’s going to be a great experience but it’s going to be a big deal in my family being the first New Zealand representative,’’ she said.
‘‘I’ve just stuck at it. I enjoy the game and it’s my favourite sport to play. I’ve played since year eight but I didn’t really take it seriously until this year where we had a coach come up and give us opportunities like this.’’
Wilson said one of the biggest differences between regular cricket and indoor cricket is the fielding, with catches able to be taken off the net.
‘‘You have to read the ball off the net instead of off the bat. It’s a very skillful game and it’s really developing me as a player and I’m sure it’ll help in outdoor with our fielding and everything.’’