If you've been following Australian cricket over the past few years, you've probably noticed that the next generation is starting to make its mark. The game continues to evolve, and young players are already knocking on the door.
Whether you're a grassroots player looking for inspiration, a coach trying to spot the next big thing, or a fan who wants to know who might wear the baggy green in a few years, this guide is for you. Here's how to identify, track, and get excited about the young cricketers shaping the future of Australian cricket.
What You'll Need
You don't need to be a stats guru or have a Cricket Australia membership to do this. Here's what you'll actually need:
- A basic understanding of Australian cricket competitions – You should know the difference between the Sheffield Shield, the Big Bash League, and the Women's Big Bash League. If you don't, no worries—we'll explain as we go.
- Access to match highlights or live streams – Most Shield games are streamed on the CA app or website. BBL and WBBL matches are on TV or Kayo. Even YouTube highlights will do the trick.
- A notebook or notes app – You'll want to jot down names and performances.
- Patience – Young cricketers don't always dominate straight away. Sometimes you're watching someone who's still figuring things out, and that's part of the fun.
Step 1: Start with the Sheffield Shield
The Sheffield Shield is the backbone of Australian first-class cricket. If you want to see who's got the temperament for Test cricket, this is where you look. The competition runs from October to March, and it's where future stars often make their mark.
What to watch for: Look for players under 25 who are consistently scoring runs or taking wickets across multiple matches. A single big innings is nice, but you want to see someone who can back it up week after week. Pay attention to how they handle pressure—does a young batter dig in when their team is 4 for 50? Does a young quick bowl with fire even when the pitch is flat?
Who to keep an eye on: Players like Will Pucovski (if fit and playing) and Jake Fraser-McGurk have been turning heads. Also, watch for young quicks like Lance Morris—he's been clocking serious speed in the Shield and generating talk as a future Test prospect.
Pro tip: Don't just look at the runs and wickets columns. Check the strike rate and average for bowlers, and the conversion rate for batters (how often they turn a fifty into a hundred). That tells you more about their potential than raw numbers.
Step 2: Tune into the Big Bash League (BBL)
The KFC Big Bash League is where raw talent meets the spotlight. It's fast, it's flashy, and it's where young cricketers often get their first taste of big crowds and TV cameras. But don't let the party atmosphere fool you—this is serious business for the next generation.
What to watch for: In the BBL, you're looking for players who can perform under the pressure of a packed stadium and a live broadcast. Can a young batter clear the ropes when the team needs 20 off the last over? Can a young bowler hold their nerve in a Super Over? These are the moments that separate future stars from one-hit wonders.
Who to keep an eye on: Oliver Davies has been known for his power hitting in the BBL. Tanveer Sangha is a young leg-spinner with a variety of tricks. And don't sleep on Matthew Short—he's been performing well in the BBL and pushing for higher honours.
Pro tip: Watch the BBL with a critical eye. Sometimes young players look good because they're batting on flat decks or bowling to tired batters. Ask yourself: would this performance hold up in a Test match against India or England? If the answer is yes, you've found someone special.
Step 3: Don't Forget the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL)
The Women's Big Bash League is a goldmine for spotting future Australian stars. The standard has skyrocketed in recent years, and the WBBL is now a genuine pathway to the national team. If you're not watching it, you're missing half the picture.
What to watch for: Look for young players who are already making an impact in the WBBL but haven't yet cracked the national side. These are the ones who'll be pushing for selection in future Ashes series or ICC T20 World Cup campaigns. Also, watch for players who are versatile—can they bat and bowl? Can they adapt to different roles in the team?
Who to keep an eye on: Annabel Sutherland is already a star, but keep watching her because she's still young with room to develop. Phoebe Litchfield has been turning heads with her clean striking. And Darcie Brown is a young quick who's been clocking serious pace—she's one to watch in the longer formats too.
Pro tip: The WBBL is often played alongside the BBL, so you can double-dip on your cricket watching. Use the same criteria you'd use for the men's game: consistency, temperament, and adaptability.
Step 4: Follow the Under-19 and Pathway Programs
Cricket Australia runs a number of development programs that feed into the senior teams. The Under-19 World Cup, the National Cricket Championships, and the Centre of Excellence are all places where future stars get their start.
What to watch for: These tournaments are often streamed online or covered by cricket media. Look for players who are dominating their age group but also look physically ready for the next level. A 17-year-old who's already built like a 25-year-old is usually a sign that they've been putting in the work.
Who to keep an eye on: The Under-19 World Cup squads are a good place to start. Names like Sam Konstas and Hugh Weibgen have been making noise in junior cricket. Also, watch for players who've been fast-tracked into state squads—that's a sign that CA sees something special.
Pro tip: Don't get too attached to Under-19 stars. The jump to senior cricket is massive, and not everyone makes it. But if you see a player who's been dominant at every level they've played, they're worth following.
Step 5: Watch the International Tours and Series
When young cricketers get called up to national squads for tours like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy or the Ashes, that's your chance to see them tested against the best in the world. Even if they don't play, being in the squad is a huge step.
What to watch for: Pay attention to how they handle the media and the pressure. Do they look comfortable in the nets? Do they seem to be learning from the senior players? Sometimes the biggest growth happens off the field.
Who to keep an eye on: Players like Scott Boland might not be "young" in age, but he's relatively new to the Test scene and has been impressive. Nathan McSweeney has been knocking on the door for a while. And keep an eye on any young players who get called up for T20 World Cup or Ashes squads.
Pro tip: Don't judge a young player too harshly if they struggle in their first few international matches. The step up from Shield or BBL to Test or ODI cricket is enormous. Give them time to adjust.
Step 6: Check the Local Club and Grade Cricket Scene
This one's for the grassroots fans. If you really want to spot a rising star before anyone else does, head down to your local grade cricket match. The best young talent often starts in club cricket before moving to the Shield or BBL.
What to watch for: Look for players who are doing things that others can't. Maybe it's a young quick who's bowling at 140 km/h in grade cricket. Maybe it's a batter who's scoring centuries every other week. These are the ones who'll get picked up by state programs.
Who to keep an eye on: This one's harder to name because it varies by state. But if you're in Sydney, watch the Sydney Cricket Ground grade matches. In Melbourne, the MCG and Junction Oval are good spots. In Perth, the WACA Ground is where the action happens.
Pro tip: Talk to the old-timers at the club. They've been watching cricket for decades and can usually spot a future star before anyone else. They'll tell you who's "got something special" and who's just having a good season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Falling for one-hit wonders: A single brilliant innings in the BBL doesn't make someone a future Test star. Look for consistency across formats.
- Ignoring the mental side: Raw talent is great, but cricket is a mental game. Watch how young players handle failure and pressure.
- Forgetting about the women's game: The WBBL and women's Shield are just as important for spotting future stars. Don't neglect them.
- Overhyping Under-19 stars: Many Under-19 stars don't make it to the top level. Enjoy their junior success, but don't put too much pressure on them.
- Not watching the Shield: The BBL is flashy, but the Shield is where Test careers are built. If you're only watching T20, you're missing the real story.
Your Checklist for Spotting Rising Stars
Here's a quick summary of everything we've covered. Use this as your go-to guide when you're watching cricket this season:
- Watch Sheffield Shield matches consistently, focusing on players under 25.
- Tune into the BBL and WBBL for players who perform under pressure.
- Follow Under-19 tournaments and CA pathway programs.
- Keep an eye on international tours and squads for new faces.
- Check local grade cricket for hidden gems.
- Look for consistency across multiple matches and formats.
- Watch how young players handle pressure and failure.
- Don't ignore the women's game—WBBL stars are future national team players.
- Avoid overhyping players based on one great performance.
- Talk to experienced fans and coaches for their insights.
So grab a cold drink, settle in, and start watching. The next Ashes hero might be playing in a grade match near you right now. And when they finally make their Test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, you'll be able to say you saw them first.
Want more content like this? Check out our guides on clubs-competitions, the grand-final-history, and how Australia's ODI World Cup campaigns have shaped the game.
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