MORE than 100 North Queensland children will have an experience of a lifetime when they get up close and personal with their heroes during Australia and Zimbabwe’s three-game One Day cricket series in Townsville this month.
To celebrate the major occasion of internationals being played a Riverway Stadium, Cricket Australia is offering NQ youngsters the opportunity just by registering to play this summer.
Twenty-four five-to-seven year olds will lead the teams out and stand with the players for the National Anthems before Game 1 on August 28, while 80 eight-to-10 year olds will get to play modified cricket on the field in front of the big crowds during the innings breaks of Game 1 (August 31) and Game 3 (September 3).
Queensland Cricket’s Antony Stewart said registering for the respective Junior Blaster and Master Blasters programs at clubs in the North before August 20 was all it took to enter the draw.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and a memory that is going to last an absolute lifetime,” he said. “Just imagine getting to walk out and stand with the true superstars of our games, like Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell or Josh Hazlewood, and belt out the National Anthem, it’d be incredible.”
The first 100 Junior Blasters to register for the eight-week skills program starting in October will go into the draw, while the first 150 Master Blasters signed up earn their shot at on-field selection. Each child and a parent or guardian receive a free ticket to that day’s game as part of the prize.
“It really is an incredible opportunity to see the best cricketers in the world right on our doorstep,” Mr Stewart said. “Who knows, this series, and getting to meet some of cricket’s greats, could be what inspires the next generation of superstars to come out of North Queensland.”
Children can register for one of seven Townsville clubs at www.playcricket.com.au.