Toronto’s Griffin Lea has been identified by Sydney Sixers coach Greg Shipperd as the standout performer from Thursday’s rookie training contract trial at No.1 Sportsground.
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The 17-year-old all-rounder got the nod ahead of 13 other young Newcastle District Cricket Association players, aged between 15 and 21, invited to the session.
Lea will now join the Sixers for a week from December 18 to train with the Big Bash League squad and attend two matches.
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” the year 12 student at Avondale High School said. “It’s unreal, but I’m still a bit shocked to be honest. It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’m going to see a lot of my idols. To get tips off them will be a great experience.”
Shipperd put the group through their paces and was impressed with what he saw.
“We talked about T20 cricket leaning on the all round side between batting, bowling, fielding and leadership skills in terms of knowledge of the game,” he said. “And we think our young winner certainly displayed those qualities today.”