She is only 11 years old, but it is obvious Leeton girl Charlie Lamont already has what it takes when it comes to cricket, after being named in the NSW under 15s country female cricket academy.
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Having played the sport she loves for longer than she can remember the pint sized all-rounder said she was hopeful the selection was a step in the right direction to becoming a part of the movement of women who are taking the cricketing world by storm.
It is a phenomenon the Leeton Public School student has watched with interest from home, relishing any coverage of women’s cricket she can catch on the television.
“I love watching the women’s cricket, but it is a pity it is not on as much,” she said on Monday. “I am just amazed by all of them, I have done lots of research on them and how they all started playing.”
That thirst for knowledge on the game she loves doesn’t stop with its female players though, with Charlie also voraciously consuming books on all of the nation’s cricketing heroes to fuel her thirst for success.
“I’ve read Brad Haddin’s autobiography, he said his first pair of wickie gloves lasted him 14 years, they were pretty tattered and worn by then,” she said.
It is a dedication and hard work ethic she has obviously taken to heart herself practising her skills wherever, whenever and with whoever she can.
“I practice a lot with my pop,” she said with a smile, admitting that while he didn’t know lots about cricket he was always willing to help her out.
It was her other pop, who sadly passed away, who was the great cricketer of the family – something he has clearly passed on to other generations. “I also throw balls at my sister for practice,” Charlie said - before rushing on to explain she meant to say she bowls them at her sister, who in turn attempts to hit them with a cricket bat.
There will likely be plenty more practice in the near future as the youngster prepares to tackle her new regime as part of the team, including two-day training sessions every month as well as an upcoming week in Sydney for the NSW Country Cup.
“It is overwhelming,” she said. “I am very excited and privileged to have this opportunity.”
