WINGHAM’S Maitlan Brown is in Sri Lanka with the Australian Shooting Stars under 21 cricket team.
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This will be the 19-year-old’s international debut and follows a successful season in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) with the Melbourne Renegades as well as strong performances in the Sydney first grade competition.
“I knew I was in line for selection, but I was still surprised when I was named. I’m really looking forward to the tour and playing in different conditions,’’ Brown said just before boarding the plane this week.
The Australians will be away for two weeks and will play three 50-a-side games and three T20s against the Sri Lankans. Brown admits she doesn’t know how strong the opposition will be.
There are 13 players in the under 21 touring squad. Selectors are expected to use the tour to access talent for the Australian Southern Stars side.
Brown is a bowling all-rounder and hopes to open the attack.
“I thought the wickets might be a bit like those in India,’’ she said.
“But I’ve been told they aren’t that different to what we have here, although probably not as good. It’ll be a great experience playing overseas for the first time.
“I do know that it is going to be hot.’’
Brown is also looking forward to playing more 50 over games after spending much of the summer involved in T20s with the Renegades.
Brown had her first season in the WBBL last summer with the Renegades. She was part of a young squad that missed out on the playoffs but showed considerable improvement from the previous summer.
Brown was named player of the match in the second last game of the campaign against Sydney Sixes, where she hit 30 off 15 deliveries, including 14 from the last three, to clinch the victory.
Earlier she claimed 1/21 from four overs. Brown hopes to stay with Melbourne next season and said negotiations are on-going.
She wants her future determined soon.
“I’d really love to play with the Renegades next season,’’ she said.