Up and coming Halls Head cricket prodigy Damien Burrage will add another line to his ever-growing resume when he captains WA’s under 17s side at the Cricket Australia national championships in September.
It’s been a full-on 18 months for the young gun, who made his WA Cricket Association first grade debut with Rockingham-Mandurah last October shortly after he represented Australia on a tour in Dubai.
Now, Burrage will suit up as captain of a strong WA under 17s outfit hoping to make waves at nationals.
The batting all-rounder said it was an honour to captain his state.
“Just to get in and represent WA as a player is a privilege but to be named captain was certainly something special,” Burrage said.
“Obviously it adds a bit of responsibility for me but yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.”
As captain, Burrage will have a say in how WA’s batting and bowling orders are designed, and will look to bring extra leadership to the group.
“There’s a fair bit of off-field stuff you have to be on top of, but overall I think leading by example is the best thing I can do,” he said.
“I’m still a player first and foremost – I need to go out and score runs and take wickets like everyone else so that’s my main focus heading into nationals.”
Burrage played his early junior days at Halls Head Cricket Club before taking his game to a higher level with Rockingham-Mandurah.
His debut season in first grade consisted of a number of powerful performances, including a 59-run outing against Mount Lawley in round eight and 37 against Scarborough in round 13.
The youngster is hoping his experience against some of WA’s finest state cricketers holds him in good stead for the nationals, where he is hoping to lead the state to a podium finish.
“We’re looking like a fairly strong side, so we want to come home with a medal,” he said.
“Third, at least.”
Burrage’s private coach and mentor Brendon Diamanti said the young gun’s work ethic was a key driver in his recent success.
“He holds himself really well and is a really hard worker,” he said.
“He’s pretty composed both on and off the field which helps him keep a level head – he’s earned all the accolades he’s received.”
Burrage and the WA team fly to Queensland for the championships next month, with their first game against Victoria Country on Monday, September 25.
They will play five games in total with more on the cards should they make finals.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
