My Passion for Cricket By Anuk Kottegoda

Source:Brisbane 4EB Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – January 2022

My interest in cricket started by watching my father play with his friends when I was just 3 years. I remember watching Sri Lanka winning the T20 world cup in 2014 with my parents. They were cheering every ball and it was so much fun! Then, I thought to myself, it will be so much fun to be a cricket player, so that my parents can cheer me when I am playing.

I started playing cricket when I was 6 years old. When I was batting for the first time it felt so good. I hit the ball hard, and it went for a six. I had lot of support from my Mum and Dad. They came to see all of my games and supported me all the way. At the end of my first cricket season, my parents asked me “Do you want to keep on going” as they knew that I had a passion for cricket. It was an easy decision for me to make, since I love cricket.

I used to play cricket with my friends on the concourse during the breaks at school. One day the junior cricket coach (Mr. Brayne) saw me playing and asked me if I was interested in joining the school cricket team. I was so happy and was waiting for the school cricket season to start.

I joined the Year 5 A team and was the youngest player in the team. From that day onwards, I have represented the school team as a lefthand opening batsman and a right arm leg spin bowler. My first season, I scored 72 runs and I was the highest run scorer for the team. I got a medal for “The Most Valuable Batsman” at the school assembly. My parents were so proud of me. In the following season, I scored 164 runs with my highest score being 37 not out. This gave me the opportunity to play for Year 6 A team whilst being in Year 5.

In 2021, I joined Wolston Park Cricket Club for the winter season and was playing for under 13 Division 2. I just turned 10 years and was feeling a bit scared to play with the older boys at the start, but it was a good experience for me. My Dad was coaching our team and we ended up winning the premiership, which was a very special moment that I got to share with my dad. I was the leading wicket taker for my team.

I am very lucky to have lot of support from my Mum, Dad, Sister, Grandparents, my uncles and aunties. My dream is to one day play for Australia and Brisbane Heat .

Anuk Kottegoda
Anuk is a student at St Peters Lutheran College and will be in year 6 commencing 2022. His other passions include rugby union, swimming and music. He is a big supporter of Wallabies.