Photo Credit: Perth Scorchers
It’s not easy to play it cool when faced with your favourite Scorcher.
But when Mitch Marsh shook Hayden Collins’ hand, the 16-year-old remained remarkably composed.
The talented Midland-Guildford batter enjoyed a money-can’t-buy experience as the Perth Scorchers recorded their third win in a row at Optus Stadium, where he joined the player warm-up, was given special access inside the changerooms and sat in the dugout alongside his idols.
“I’ve met pretty much all the players and had a good chat with Mitch Marsh, been able to pick his brains, so that’s been really cool,” he said.
With the support of the WA Cricket Foundation’s Aboriginal programs, Busselton-raised Collins is rising through the ranks of WA Cricket’s Regional pathway.
This season, the teenager became the first player since current Australian Test cricketer Marcus Harris to make three consecutive centuries in the underage WA Premier Cricket League.
Collins is part of the Foundation’s specialised pathway to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships starting in February in Alice Springs and has also been named in Western Australia’s 14-player squad for the upcoming Under 17s National Male Cricket Championships.
He believes all players should have equal opportunity for success, regardless of their background.
“Cricket for Indigenous kids is growing throughout WA, it’s improving,” he said.
“The pathways are getting better, so I think it’s really important for them to have the same opportunities as other kids.”
The WA Cricket Foundation’s Aboriginal programs aim to connect communities and inspire future leaders.
We have increased our reach and capacity across remote communities to engage more Indigenous youth in cricket, with more than 1,000 participants now involved in our Aboriginal Cricket programs.
Learn more at wacricketfoundation.com.au
Name of Author: Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers are an Australian men’s Twenty20 cricket team competing in the Big Bash League. Based in Perth, Western Australia, they wear an orange uniform and play their home games at Perth Stadium.
