Bundaberg’s cricket prodigy Lucy Hamilton has returned home after competing in the first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Putting on the Australian uniform to play for her country was a dream come true for the 16-year-old rising star.
Known as the Queensland-contracted left-arm quick, Lucy has fast proven her worth on the pitch, being one of only two Queensland players to enter the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Lucy spent the end of her summer school holidays competing in the 16-team inaugural tournament which ran from January 14 to January 29, playing matches against Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, India, England, USA and Sri Lanka.
The year 11 Shalom College student played an integral role in the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, helping to secure the Australian team a spot in the semi-finals against England.
“It was a great experience to play for my country and one I will always remember,” Lucy said.
“It was absolutely amazing to play in the semi-finals in the World Cup.
“I played eight games, including six tournament games and two warm-ups.
“We lost our first game, but then won the rest of the pool games and we got through to the super six stage, then onto the semi.
“We ended up losing the semi, but what a great experience!
“It’s crazy to think that when I was 10-years-old playing cricket in the backyard with my brothers that only six years later I would be playing for Australia.”
Lucy said a highlight of the World Cup was during the first stage of the tournament when she took an impressive two wickets without conceding a single run (2/0) in one over against Sri Lanka.
“We already had a few wickets and needed two to finish the game,” she said.
“When I did that – it was definitely a wonderful feeling!”
During the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Lucy took five wickets at an average of 11 with an economy of 4.15.
The Australian team finished in the top four out of the 16 competing countries in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Lucy said competing in the World Cup was an experience of a lifetime and she was grateful for the support given to her from family, friends and the community.
“All together I was away for just under a month,” she said.
“My grandparents, who love watching me play cricket here in Bundaberg, were able to come over with my dad, and my mum joined us for a bit too.
“Knowing how much female sport has grown, even in small communities like Bundaberg female sport has grown so much, it makes me proud.
“There’s definitely a lot more opportunities to come – huge things ahead.
“I’m glad I was a part of the first Under-19 female ICC World Cup team.
“It was a dream come true and I loved every minute of it!”
In October, at just 16 years of age, the Shalom College student was signed by the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after making her debut as the second youngest player ever for the Queensland Fire Open Women’s Cricket team in March last year.
Now Lucy’s ready to get back into premier cricket in Brisbane.
