While her focus is on the looming season and the start of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), Emma Hughes was delighted to spend time with youngsters from her hometown on Wednesday. Dubbo junior and Sydney Sixers young gun Hughes was joined by Australian great Nathan Lyon to meet with school students from the Far West virtually on Wednesday afternoon as part of Cricket NSW's Country Blitz. The pair, both Western Zone juniors, spoke to aspiring stars from 17 different schools in the region about their own representative journeys from the bush to the top level while they also took the time to answer some questions. READ ALSO: - Potter set to skipper Narromine in their return to DDCA competitions - Knaggs has 'high hopes' about the Cougars' chances in new season - Premierships to be discussed after 'one of the most even' seasons is ended Hughes and Lyon met with students from St Ignatius Bourke, Burrabadine Christian Community School, Central West Leadership Academy, Condobolin Public School, Dubbo College, St John's College Dubbo, St Mary's Dubbo, St Pius X Dubbo, Red Bend College Forbes, Parkes Christian School, St Laurence's Primary Forbes, Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, St Augustine's Narromine, Narromine Public School and St Patrick's Trundle. "It's been a challenging couple of years with the pandemic, particularly in the west over the recent months and while we can't get out into the community in person, it was fantastic to connect with families and schools online," Hughes said. "Both myself and Nathan are very appreciative of their time and had a heap of fun talking to students about all things cricket and hopefully our stories will inspire many to play and register with their local cricket clubs this summer, where they are guaranteed to have plenty of fun in a safe and supportive environment." The visit from Hughes and Lyon wasn't the only chance for cricket fans to listen and learn on Wednesday, as there was also an online girls' cricket Q&A in the evening alongside a virtual coaching seminar with current NSW Blues coach Phil Jaques. It was part of the statewide program, which connected with 16.477 people from across NSW. "This year's Country Blitz was simply incredible, with a huge amount of positive feedback from those who participated" Cricket NSW General Manager - Community Cricket Experience, Joanne Scanlon said. "Starting at 9am and going through until 8pm, Cricket NSW staff were joined by over thirty of the state's leading cricketers and coaches to conduct more than fifty virtual Q&A sessions. "Now more than ever it's important for Cricket NSW to remain connected with regional and rural communities who are not only passionate about cricket, but many are isolated in lockdown. "We would like to send a massive thank you to the teachers and club administrators for their assistance in making this year's virtual Country Blitz the success that it was. "Our focus now turns to readying ourselves and our cricket community for the commencement of the cricket season in a fun, safe and compliant environment as soon as settings permit." Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: