Albany Heat’s Tess Badger selected in the WA under-14 Country XI

Albany and Districts Cricket Association has a star on its horizon with Tess Badger earning selection into the WA under-14 Country XI. The all-rounder has taken eight wickets so far this season — at an impressive average of 9.62 — bowling for the Heat in the ADCA under-12 competition, which includes a three-wicket haul against Denmark. Tess also meets with ADCA’s Sunset Scorchers every Friday evening during summer school holidays to help develop the skills and talents of budding women’s cricketers. She is thrilled with the prospect of playing against some premier cricket clubs when she goes to the women’s talent carnival beginning on January 23. “It’s very exciting but I’m also a bit anxious about doing it,” Tess said. “It will be good just to play against some of the better cricketers and be given the opportunity to do so.” As a leg spinner, Tess is hoping to play a key role with the ball in hand while also pinch-hitting with the bat. “I’m a leggy so I’ll do that,” she said. “I may even be a bit of an all-rounder but I prefer the bowling more.” Great Southern Women’s Cricket coordinator Rachel Badger said Tess’ recognition is important in encouraging other girls in the region. “It’s great to have a female going up to Perth especially from down here,” she said. “Hopefully it inspires girls around Albany to even just try out cricket in general.” Sunset Scorchers returned for the first time since COVID-19 this year with four teams and is hoping to return to its original six outfits.