General News
7 October, 2021
Wareham makes test debut
GEORGIA Wareham has lived out her biggest dream.
GEORGIA Wareham has lived out her biggest dream.
The 22 year-old debuted at test level last Thursday in Australia’s day-night contest with India.
It follows a meteoric rise in the sport, which started at local clubs Woorndoo and Mortlake, progressed to state duties, Big Bash commitments and then Aussie limited overs selection.
A test debut was all that was left for the leg-spinner to tick-off, but it came a little later than hoped.
Georgia’s father Wes said the family was very proud of her achievement.
“It’s something she is very proud of and we’re very proud of her for achieving,” he said.
“It’s something she has been striving for a long time.
“I went to England two years ago but she was the 12th person so that was disappointing but it’s what she has been aiming towards (a test debut) and now she has done it.”
Georgia was presented with cap 180 by former player and now assistant coach Shelley Nitschke prior to play on the opening day.
But the test ended in a draw after rain and lightning impacted the first two days, although the debutant was able to claim her maiden wicket in the second innings.
She finished with match figures of 1/40 off 13 overs and made two runs in the Aussie innings.
“I think she’d be disappointed with her batting,” Wes said.
“Her first few overs (bowling) she was a bit nervous but once she got into a rhythm in the second innings she would have been happy with it.”
Wes said the Mortlake community had enjoyed following his daughter’s career and was reveling in her success.
He said Georgia enjoyed returning home as often as possible to enjoy her country upbringing.
“Everyone always talks about how she is going or that they have seen her (when she is back home),” Wes said.
“They’re all very happy for her and the cricket club has been fantastic with Georgia coming through so I think she is humbled by it.
“She doesn’t mind talking to everyone, she’s just Georgia (when she is home).”
With one test under her belt, Wes is expecting Georgia to strive for bigger and better things in the future, particularly with an Ashes series on the horizon.
“Now that she is one down it’ll just be to play more and play better,” she said.
“She just wants to keep improving – that’s what they’re always trying to do, they spend a lot of time away from home just on training camps just to improve and get better and make women’s sport, not so much accessible, but more enjoyable for people.”
The Aussies series against India continues this week with Twenty20 games.