By Tate Papworth
A Caroline Springs all-rounder is shaping up to be a name to watch in the future.
Jackson Martin has been selected to represent Victoria in the 12-and-under school boys cricket team, which will compete for the national championship in Adelaide this November.
To make the squad, Jackson had to go through six months of trials which were held across 17 regions and had more than 1000 children participate.
Jackson said it was a shock when he got the call-up.
“Dad told me I’d been selected and I didn’t know what to say, I was very excited and a little overwhelmed,” Jackson said. “It’s definitely the highlight of my cricketing career so far.”
Making the achievement even more remarkable is the fact that at just 10 years of age, Jackson is the youngest person ever to be selected to play for a Victorian 12-and-under side.
He credits practice and his father’s coaching for much of his success.
“My dad is my coach, so I’ve had a bat or ball in my hand for most of my life,” he said.
“We have a little net in the backyard and I spend hours each night out there practising.
“If I’m not using the net, I’m throwing a ball up against the wall and hitting it.”
While Jackson is a talented left arm off-spin bowler, he says he prefers batting.
“I definitely enjoy batting more, I move around the order a bit, but I really enjoy opening the batting.”
