April Chaudhary is making her mark on the cricket field at just 13 years old.
Despite being one of the youngest in her normal and representative sides, Chaudhary is showing maturity beyond her age.
She was captain of Geelong’s Marg Jennings Victorian Premier Cricket under-15 team which claimed the title earlier this year.
It was her first time competing in that competition.
“That went really well,” she said. “The year before I was in the squad at a different club but I wasn’t able to play.
“The tournament this year was completely different. The club was a bit far away and it was a bit of a shock being a new club.”
Chaudhary made an instant impact and was named captain of the team despite being bottom age.
She said that she expected one of the older girls to lead the side.
“I was surprised that I got the responsibility of being the captain,” she said. “I was pretty happy.
“I finished as the second highest run scorer over the tournament as a bottom age player.”
The highlight though was Geelong claiming the title as it beat Prahran in the final.
Chaudhary made 31 at the top of the order.
Being involved in a premier club was something different for Chaudhary. Being just 13, she’s too young to play in the regular premier women’s competitions.
“It was a really good experience,” she said. “It was really good quality cricket and It was better than I thought it would be.”
Chaudhary is a key member of Werribee’s team in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition Shield 2 side.
She said that presented some good challenges.
“I find it fun to play with people that really challenge me,” she said. “They make me play my cricket at a higher level.”
Despite her success so far, Chaudhary is still relatively new to cricket.
She started when she was eight or nine after her dad suggested it and fell in love with the game.
Chaudhary, who idolises Ellyse Perry, is an opening batter.
She said she loves that challenge.
“You get set and you know what your role is in the game.”
Chaudhary is hoping to qualify for the Sports Victoria under-15 team again as a bottom ager.
She’s then hoping to play premier cricket, with a big focus long term.
“I want to play for my state and country,” she said. “I want to represent Australia one day.”
Tara Murray
