Blake Thomson and Steven Reid
RISING young East Ballarat cricketer Blake Thomson is set to represent his country later this year.
Thomson is preparing for a tour to New South Wales in November — where he will take on teams from the West Indies and India — after performing well for Victoria at the School Sport Australia 15/under Championships in Perth.
The right-hander’s efforts with the bat and in the field helped secure his place in the carnival’s team of merit.
Thomson said the selection doubled as the Australian under-16 side.
“It was a massive shock. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Thomson said.
Thomson made 166 runs at an average of 55.33 from five matches at the championships, which included a century in game two against South Australia. Here, he was involved in a carnival record 161-run partnership with a teammate.
Thomson, 15, also set the record for the most individual run outs at the titles.
“Five were direct hits and two were throws to the ‘keeper and the ‘keeper took the bails off,” Thomson said.
“If you want to be good at it you have got work at it. Fielding doesn’t really come naturally.
“You want to be able to influence a game whenever you can and as best as you can.”
Victoria finished the tournament in fifth position overall.
The St Patrick’s College year 10 student has been a regular player in East Ballarat’s first eleven side this season.