CRICKETING purists may decry Twenty20’s burgeoning popularity, but Sydney Sixers player Emily Leys is all for any format which gets youngsters interested in the sport.
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“I know when I was that young, all you wanted to do was run around and play,” she said.
“I think that’s the important thing here, getting them introduced to cricket.
“As they grow and learn the game then you start to learn the intricacies between T20 and Test cricket.
“The pinnacle is Test cricket, but T20 is a good way to get the kids introduced and get them going with the basic skills before they progress on.”
All-rounder Leys played for the Sixers in last summer’s inaugural Women's Big Bash League.
The Sixers brought the fun of the Big Bash to the coast via the Sixers Beach Blast.
The Sixers hosted a free Sixers Beach Blast session on Wednesday at Surf Beach, Kiama with approximately 100 children in attendance.
The clinic was run by Leys and Sixers staff.
During the school holiday period, the cricketing franchise has been running their Beach Blast from Coffs Harbour to Ulladulla.
Kids aged between seven and 12 experienced the fun of the Big Bash, with music, fun and entertainment, while learning the skills of cricket in the Milo T20 Blast program.
“I actually grew up in the country and we never had clinics like this, so it’s always good to get out of Sydney and reach those kids that may not have the opportunity to come to Sydney and see the games,” Leys said.
“They get to know what the Sixers are about and what cricket’s about, and it’s all about having a bit of fun and getting them involved in the game.”
Leys said the program was based on keeping the action moving at a fast and fun pace.
“The idea is that it goes for an hour-and-a-half and the kids are never sitting on the sideline waiting to bat.
“When they’re not out batting they’re learning a new skill like catching.”
Leys, a left-arm medium pace bowler and middle-order batter said she had been surprised by the WBBL’s box office success.
“Last year was unbelievable,” she said.
“The girls didn’t really know what to expect going in because we’d obviously seen how the men’s went and it was really successful.
“I don’t think anyone expected the WBBL to take off like it did.
“The players are very accessible, it’s a lot of fun, the atmosphere’s really good and Cricket Australia have done a great job of marketing the product, and getting a good product out there.”
