Flynn Parker has dreamt his entire cricketing life about the day he would make his first-grade debut.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Never in those dreams did he run on to the field alongside two former Australian captains.
But that’s exactly what the 18-year-old from Minnamurra will do on Saturday when he represents Sutherland alongside Shane Watson and suspended Australian captain Steve Smith in their opening round clash with Mosman.
”I’m a little bit nervous,” Parker said. “Cricket’s always something I’ve enjoyed doing, so I’m trying to enjoy it as much as I can, but it’s a dream come true. Playing in the same side as Steve Smith and Watto, I feel a bit nervous, especially with fielding, I need to make sure I’m up to their standards.”
The fast-bowler was a standout for Kiama through his junior career, playing first grade for the club during the 2016-17 South Coast season, before moving to Sydney to play second grade for Campbelltown-Camden last summer.
Having moved through the grades year by year, Parker is confident he is prepared for what will come on Saturday.
“I had a pretty successful year last season and by the end I felt I was ready for first grade. At the start of the season I don’t think I was ready, but having that year of grade cricket and doing well, it really got my confidence up. I feel I’m ready to be playing first grade now.”
Smith’s appearance for Sutherland comes on the back of the ball tampering saga in South Africa, in which he and Australian vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans from Australian and NSW cricket, with Cameron Bancroft handed a nine-month ban for his role in the scandal.
While Smith hasn’t spent too much time with the team since arriving back in Australia, Parker said both Smith and Watson have been more than willing to impart their knowledge to the side’s younger players.
“Steve is really relaxed, obviously he’s had a lot of dramas but he’s still really relaxed. He comes to the nets, does what he does, nothing out of the ordinary and not real intense.
“He seems like someone that’s good to be around, I can see why he’s such a successful captain.
“Shane played in a trial with us and he was just like one of the boys on the team. He had a bat and scored a lot of runs so retired himself and gave the other guys a go.
“He came up and sat down with the boys and was chatting like anyone else. We were able to pick his brain and it was awesome to be around him.”
While many debutants would prefer to get straight into the thick of the action, Parker recognsies the expected crowd of 5000 people will be there for just one reason, to watch Steve Smith make his return to competitive cricket in Australia.
As such, Parker is happy to sit back and watch Smith do his thing before he’s called upon. Once he gets out on the field, however, Parker will be ready to rip in.
“I’d prefer if we bat first. There’s going to be a big crowd wanting to watch those two [Smith and Watson] bat. So if we can get that out of the way and land a good total, I’ll get a lot of confidence bowling if the runs are already on the board.
“I’ll probably come on as first chance and look to support the bowling attack. The though of taking a first-grade wicket is something I’ve been dreaming of for a few years, so if it can come true, I would be stoked.”