At just 16, Druids’ Ira Aery is doing battle with some of the best cricketers in Australia.
The teenager’s game has gone from strength to strength the past 12 months, so much that she was recently picked for her Victorian senior debut in the Women’s National Cricket League.
Aery played in two games for Victoria in the space of three days against South Australia.
“I got a call on Saturday afternoon,” she said. “One of the Cricket Victoria staff members called me up, you’re probably going to travel with us
“I wasn’t told that I was going to debut until the day before. It was quite exciting, I was a bit nervous but it was all part of the journey.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve done so far and really grateful that I got an opportunity at such a young age.”
Aery said it was really encouraging to see so many people backing in her talent to give her the opportunities.
In game one she bowled two overs, while making six with the bat.
In game two, she played three overs and didn’t bat.
Aery said playing with the likes of Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and new Australian captain Sophie Molineux was pretty cool.
“In the first game it was just about getting out there, bowl the first ball and hit the first ball and get on the field,” she said.
“It does make me think I’m doing something right if I’m playing alongside them, really grateful to have them.
“They were all really sweet and all really helped me and backed my talent and helped me back myself to do what I’ve been doing my entire life.”
The chance to play for Victoria comes after she represented Australia’s under-19 team last year.
Later last year, she represented Victoria at the under-19 national championships.
She finished the leading wicket taker with 17 wickets and averaged 60 with the bat. Aery was named in the team of the tournament for a third time.
“It has been quite unreal looking over the past 12 months,” Aery reflected.
“I’ve been lucky to travel to so many places and gained a lot of valuable experience along the way.
“Cricket is a game that you’re constantly learning and improving and I know there’s still so much more for me to work on.
“I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.”
Aery started playing cricket in the backyard with her siblings and cousins and fell in love with the sport.
She has played with Point Cook Centrals and Werribee and currently plays with Druids in the under-17s on Saturdays and with Essendon Maribyrnong Park in Victorian Premier Cricket.
She said socialising with her friends was one of the main things she loved and said the game helps calm her down.
Aery said it depends on the day whether she prefers batting or bowling and that she loves them equally.
She’s hoping to finish off the cricket season strongly.
“There’s a couple of WNCL games left, hopefully I’ll get the chance to be out there with the girls.
“I’m backing myself and to finish the season off strong.”
