Josh Staines will captain ACT/NSW Country at the under 17s national championships.
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It has been a rapid rise for the 16-year-old, who is a relative newcomer to the sport.
Swapping his tennis racquet for a cricket bat only a couple of years ago, Staines is looking forward to his shot at playing on a bigger stage
“It is a great opportunity,” Staines said.
“I am really looking forward to it.
“It is going to be a great two weeks.”
The Wagga teenager is looking forward to testing himself against the nation’s best.
“It is a great achievement and I really looking forward to playing with all these great cricketers,” Staines said.
He earned his selection after impressing during the NSW State Challenge.
He made an unbeaten 43 in his first knock against Metropolitan Thunder before making five and 22 in his next two innings.
The wicketkeeper batsman was pleased with his form in the tournament.
“It went alright,” he said.
“We got a win or two.”
While captain of the Country Sixers side, Staines was pleasantly surprised when selected as the skipper of the state side.
“It is good fun to captain a side,” he said.
Staines, who plays first grade for Wagga RSL, is joined by another Wagga first grader in the team.
Temora’s Max Harper, who won a premiership with Wagga City last season, is also part of the team.
He didn’t have as much success at the selection event in Coffs Harbour but still forced his way into the team.
The national championships start in Brisbane on September 26 and continue through until the finals on October 5 with eight matches to be played by each team.
