Rising star Damien Burrage has continued to make his mark as one of the country’s finest up and coming cricketers after being chosen to Australia’s under 17s side on the back of a stunning campaign as WA’s captain at the national tournament.
The Halls Head product put in a brilliant individual display leading WA against its opposing states, highlighted by a century against Queensland teamed with a pair of 50s along the way.
His stunning performance with the bat paired with taking eight wickets secured him a spot on the national team, which will take on the competition at the under 19s national championships this December.
Burrage said the achievement was “definitely up there” as one of his finest yet.
“It’s pretty exciting – obviously a prestigious honour,” he said.
“Overall I was pretty disappointed with how we finished the championships as a team, so it’s a bit of a mixed feeling.
“But to make the national side is definitely something I’m excited about.”
WA wrapped up the carnival in fifth place out of an overall 10 teams, with Burrage the sole player West Australian to get the nod for the national squad.
The Peel region local will now get the chance to play under the tutelage of former Australian test players Ryan Harris and Matthew Elliott, who will coach the under 17s squad at the under 19s championships.
“I think just being able to learn under people like them, who have played at the top level, is going to help my game,” Burrage said.
“It’s going to be a really good experience – hopefully we can do well as a team.”
His selection follows on from an appearance in the Australian under 16s side last year, and some solid form in the WACA premier grade for Rockingham-Mandurah Districts Cricket Club.
Across his three games for the Mariners this season, Burrage has notched totals of 21, eight and 23.
He had a number of impressive performances in his debut season for Rockingham-Mandurah last year, including a 59-run outing against Mount Lawley and 37 against Scarborough.
The batting all-rounder is hoping his experience against senior cricketers will put him in good stead at the under 19s championships.
“I think most the boys on our team have played plenty of senior cricket so the age gap shouldn’t make too much difference,” he said.
Burrage will fly out for the championships in Tasmania later this year.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
