What you need to know about 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray: From idolizing Ellyse Perry to multi-sport success.

Fifteen years Caoimhe Bray had an exciting debut in Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)who makes history as the youngest player ever to participate in this tournament. Just a month after celebrating his 15th birthday, he made an immediate impact when he played for the team Sydney Sixers against Melbourne Renegades Sunday (October 27).

Caoimhe Bray’s WBBL debut

Sharing the field with his idol, Ellyse PerryBray’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. In his only over, he took the favorite wicket of the hard-hitting West Indian Deandra Dottinwho once smashed his first three breasts with six and two fours. Bray didn’t stop there; he also played an important role in ensuring that his team won. Chasing runs in a tense match, he showed modesty by scoring 12 not out in just five balls, including a crucial boundary from England’s Alice Capsey and a stunning cover against him. Sophie Molineuxwon by three wickets against the Sixers. This memorable debut not only marked his entry into the WBBL but also made him a rising star in Australian cricket.

WATCH also: Caoimhe Bray, 15, smashes Deandra Dottin’s stumps on her debut

Everything you need to know about 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray

1. Early Beginnings in Denman

Bray was born in Denman, in the beautiful Hunter Region New South Wales. From a young age, he showed great interest in sports, he started his cricket journey by playing cricket for his Under-11 team when he was only eight years old. Supported by his parents, mother Kim and father Gavin, Bray’s family nurtured his passion for both cricket and football, laying the foundation for his future success.

2. Stellar Performance in Youth Cricket

This past season, Bray showed his incredible talent in cricket by amassing 955 runs in the NSW Under-18 Brewer Shield. His biggest success came when he scored 202 runs off just 134 balls, leading the tournament. Greater Hunter Central Coast team to its first title in the prestigious competition. This feat not only highlighted his batting ability but also established him as a formidable player in the youth cricket circuit.

3. All Round Brilliance at Under 19 Level

September marked a milestone in Bray’s cricket career as he earned a place in the Australian under-19 squad for the tri-series in Brisbane. During this series, he performed impressively throughout the match against New Zealand, scoring 84 runs and taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs. This performance underlined his versatility as a cricketer, making him an important player to watch in the coming years.

4. Tribute to Ellyse Perry

Bray’s admiration for fellow all-rounder Perry is reflected in his choice of jersey number. Initially wearing the number 8 jersey as a tribute to Perry, who had a huge impact on his life, Bray switched to number 18 when he joined the Sydney Sixers, as his idol said No. 8 is his. This honor highlights Bray’s respect for Perry and shows his desire to emulate his success on the cricket field.

5. Football achievements

Not only is Bray a rising star in cricket, but he is also a talented goalkeeper in soccer. At just 14 years old, he made his international debut CommBank Junior Matildas during the AFC U17 Womens Asian Cup in Indonesia. Her exceptional skills on the soccer field were recognized when she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament during the National Youth Girls Championship, confirming her status as a multi-sport athlete. Despite a three-year contract with the Sixers, he wants to continue his two-sport career.

6. Impact on T20 Spring Challenge

Bray’s cricket journey continued as he earned a place in the Sydney Sixers T20 Spring Challenge squad. In this tournament, he did a great job by getting five wickets in four matches, including that of Laura Harris, who recently scored 102 runs in just 46 balls. This performance showed Bray’s ability to compete at a high level and established him as a key player for the Sixers.

7. Balancing Sports and Many Academics

Despite his busy sports schedule, Bray remains focused on his education. As a dedicated year 9 student, she balances her academic commitments with her athletic pursuits. This commitment to both sports and studies shows his determination and discipline, important qualities for budding athletes. Despite a three-year contract with the Sixers, he wants to continue his two-sport career.

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This article was originally published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.