The Australian Cricket Society’s Young Cricketer of the Year for 2016 is 19-year-old paceman Adam McMaster from Dandenong CC.
Adam has been making waves in cricket from a very young age. First selected in a representative side at 13, he has gone on to represent his region and state for seven consecutive years.
Originally from Koo Wee Rup, McMaster is learning the art of fast bowling from two of Dandenong’s finest, Victorian and Australian pair Peter Siddle and James Pattinson.
“James and Peter are both fast bowlers who have come through Dandenong and continued to go on and play Test cricket,” he said.
“I’ve always looked up to James, in particular, as we are both similar bowlers.”
McMaster has already enjoyed many great moments in cricket. However his first XI debut for Dandenong is a match he’ll always remember. After taking two for 19, he kept his composure with the bat to guide his side to victory.
“Hitting the winning runs in the last over to win the game [is my favourite moment].”
Like many young Australians this winter, Adam is testing his skills in the UK.
“I’m currently playing for Urmston in the premier division of the Cheshire league. I hope it gives me a jump into next season as I will be keeping my body cricket fit.
“I also came across to try and improve my batting and get more opportunities in the middle so that when I get home I have a head start on the other guys.”
McMaster is hoping the representative opportunities continue in the coming season, with his goals firmly in place for a strong season with Dandenong.
“I am hoping to finish in the top 5 to 10 wicket takers at the end of the coming Premier Cricket season.
“I would like to get the opportunity to play in some futures games and show my skills at that level in the hope to be seen by selectors not just in Victoria but across Australia.” And his long-term goals mirror that of idols Pattinson and Siddle.
“I am hoping to get a State contract and a Big Bash contract in the coming years. There is a lot to aim for.“
Story by: Simon Draycott