NSW cricket stars connect ‘virtually’ for Country Blitz

Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @SammyJoJohnson2

Twenty-nine NSW cricketers including Australian test stars Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood, will beam live into schools and homes across the state on Wednesday (September 15) to speak with students, cricketers and coaches as part of the 2021 Cricket NSW Country Blitz program.

The Country Blitz is an annual event that reaches into communities in NSW regional and rural centres from the Tweed down to the Riverina and out to the Far West of the state. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the program will be delivered remotely as it was in 2020.

Sydney Sixers KFC BBL captain, Moises Henriques will be dialling in from Dubai, UAE and speaking with club cricketers from across the Hunter Region as part of this year’s Country Blitz.

Despite not being in Australia, Henriques was eager to be part of this year’s Blitz and speak to members of the NSW cricket community about why they love and play cricket.

“It’s been a challenging couple of years with the pandemic, particularly over recent months and while we can’t get out into the community in person, it’s great that we can still connect with schools and clubs online,” Henriques said.

“Many of Australia’s best cricketers have come from areas in regional NSW. The Country Blitz is one way for us as professional cricketers to ensure we keep inspiring the next generation of top cricketers from the country.

“With the pending easing of restrictions for community sport ahead of the summer months, hopefully cricket can offer much-needed relief and enjoyment for people of all ages. I know first-hand just how much I’m looking forward to playing cricket again this summer.

“Cricket is Australia’s most popular summer sport, providing kids of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with the opportunity to have plenty of fun in a controlled environment, in a COVID-safe way.

“I personally can’t wait to catch up with members of our cricket community this week as part of this year’s Country Blitz and hopefully inspire others to pursue their own cricketing aspirations.”

Cricket NSW General Manager – Community Cricket Experience, Joanne Scanlon, said the Country Blitz is a permanent fixture in the Cricket NSW calendar which players and staff look forward every year.

“Cricket NSW takes great pride in the connection we have with rural and regional communities, and we know those areas has been doing it tough over recent times with COVID restrictions.

“While this year’s Country Blitz will again be conducted virtually, it has presented us with the opportunity to engage with more schools, clubs and fans than ever before.

“The Country Blitz is more than a roadshow ahead of the new cricket season, it provides a unique opportunity for children in rural and regional locations to spend quality time talking with stars of Australian cricket, while community coaches get to quiz Cricket NSW coaches about all aspects of the game.”

In addition to the virtual school and cricket club visits, NSW Blues Head Coach Phil Jaques and NSW Breakers Head Coach Gavan Twining will participate in a free Webinar for any coach based in regional or rural NSW at 6.30pm AEST on September 15. To register, please CLICK HERE.

Also at 6.30pm on September 15, there will be a free Virtual Q&A specifically for Girls aged 12 – 18 with Sydney Thunder Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) player Sam Bates and Sydney Sixers WBBL player Angela Reakes. To register, please CLICK HERE.

NSW Cricketers participating in the 2021 Cricket NSW Country Blitz

Name of Author: Cricket NSW

Cricket NSW

Cricket NSW, officially the New South Wales Cricket Association, is the governing body for cricket in New South Wales, Australia. Based at Sydney Olympic Park, it oversees the New South Wales Blues, New South Wales Breakers, Sydney Thunder, and Sydney Sixers.