Eight-year-old Julian Cashman of Terrigal has been selected as one of the Woolworths Cricket Blast First XI for this season.
The First XI are young cricketers from all over the country who have been chosen for the Cricket Blast team of the season and were flown to the Big Bash Final in Tasmania on Monday as part of their prize.
The Cricket Blast First XI is a new initiative this year to celebrate junior cricketers and their participation.
Winners were selected from submissions – including video – and include a range of children from various background and ages.
One of the 11 will be named Woolworths Cricket Blaster of the Year at the Australian Cricket Awards at the start of February.
Julian has participated in the Terrigal Matcham Cricket Blast program for four years now, starting at the age of four, and is a key part of the program, helping to set up and always bringing enthusiasm.
The Year 3 Our Lady Star of the Sea student is a “cricket tragic” along with his two younger sisters and younger brother – who are all following in their big brother’s footsteps.
It means backyard cricket is a staple in the family.
In Hobart to watch the Big Bash final between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder on Monday, he was also set to present a medal to a member of the winning team.
While he was reluctant to name his cricketing hero, he said he did love the Australian cricket team and current Test vice-captain Travis Head was a favourite.
“Travis Head is definitely really good,” he said.
“I am a bowler and a batter.”