“Daddy, can I have more vegetables on my plate,” might be something you might not expect to hear, for example.

Or “daddy can I go to bed please because I’m really tired and need my energy tomorrow”, might be another.

Or maybe even “daddy, I love my little sister so much I promise never to pinch or punch her again when you are not looking”.

So far, I can safely say the 10-year-old has not uttered those words.

Yet these following words I also never expected to hear.

“Daddy, can I watch the Big Bash with you,” the 10-year-old said recently. I was floored.

“Excuse me darlin’, but what did you say?,” I had to ask.

“Can I watch the Big Bash with you please” she repeated.

Never in her life has she shown any interest in cricket and when other forms of the game have been on television it has been the equivalent of ratbag repellent. She’s taken one look at the screen, screwed up her nose and turned on her heels. Yet Big Bash?

Sure enough, after agreeing to her request, she sat down transfixed to the screen and the action occurring upon it. It seems part of Big Bash’s success has been its on-screen action but also the kids have been watching the specially designed children’s program on ABC Television which is simple, but brilliant in its delivery. Smooth. Like a Dwayne Bravo slower ball.

That show planted the bait in the 10-year-old and it’s helped snag her hook, line and bouncer. She loves it.  Only now the words have changed to “daddy, can we go to a Big Bash game?” – something we clear need to make happen in Wollongong. A real game, not a pre-season hit and giggle. 

P.S. Go the Hurricanes this weekend.