When Kayla Burton visited a cricket store a few years ago and saw a pink pair of wicketkeeper gloves, she knew she had to buy them.
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She hasn’t looked back ever since.
The 15-year-old was last month selected in the Cricket Australia under 15 Talent Squad after a successful under 15 National Championships. Burton played a key role in NSW Country's triumph at the tournament, scoring an important 36 in the final. She also took two catches and two stumpings and scored 154 runs throughout the tournament.
“It was just amazing,” Burton said. “Being in a new state with so many amazing people and playing great cricket.
“To know that I have the ability to score runs and take wickets at the top level, it’s crazy.”
Burton said she approached the tournament the same way she does when playing for Wests, staying focused while both batting and wicketkeeping and taking advantage of opportunities when they do come.
“There was plenty of talent at the competition. I just played how I normally do, just trying to hit the bad ball. It ended up being pretty good.”
As a member of the talent squad, Burton will travel to Brisbane throughout the year for a number of training camps and matches. A smaller development squad will eventually be selected to compete in next year’s under 18s National Championships.
Burton is from a family of cricketers, her father, Travis, still plays and both her younger sister and brother also play. That makes for some pretty intense games of backyard cricket.
“We play lots of backyard cricket together,” Kayla said. “We’ve even got a cricket pitch in the backyard now.”
Burton thanked Travis for the support he provides her and the hours he’s willing to stand behind a bowling machine sending down deliveries.
“We’ve got a bowling machine, so anytime I want to hit or practice, it’s literally two steps away,” Kayla said.
“My dad is so supportive, he will train all day every day with me if I wanted to.”