Lara Graham and Deni Baker are about to embark on an adventure that begins at the hallowed surrounds of Lords Cricket Club and ends with a whirlwind sightseeing tour of France.
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In between that, the Tamworth teens, among the state’s most exciting cricket talents, will play three matches against English sides as part of a 14-day youth tour of England, Wales and France.
The tour, which includes a boys side, has been organised by Sydney Cricket Coaching. The sides fly out of Sydney on Friday afternoon.
It is the first overseas trip for allrounder Graham, 15, and left-arm orthodox spinner Baker, 14. And they are both understandably “a bit nervous”.
But both see the trip as a great opportunity to grow as people and cricketers.
“I’m a bit nervous but it’s gonna be good,” Graham said. “It’s a great opportunity.
“Just to experience the cricket over there [will be exciting] … and meeting new people and having a good time.”
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Lara has played in Cricket Australia sides and has also represented ACT/NSW Country.
Her father, Peter, described the trip as a “chance of a lifetime” for his daughter.
The first stop on the trip is Lords, where they will be given a tour of the venerable venue and have a net session, with the players instructed to wear “conventional white cricket gear” while training.
Peter told Lara that a lot of first-class cricketers don’t get the chance to train at Lords.
Graham and Baker – in Year 10 and Year 9 at Oxley High School – were selected in the NSW Second XI after playing for North West at the SW Schoolgirl Championships this year.
Baker, also named in the ACT/NSW Country under-15 side this year, said she was looking forward to making friends and savouring new experiences while overseas.
The girls side plays Aldershot, Bournemouth and Dorset.
