Nicola Hancock is preparing for arguably the biggest summer in her young career.
Touted as one of Australian cricket’s most exciting prospects, Hancock has a jam-packed schedule over coming months as she juggles multiple representative duties.
Initially, she will focus on representing state side Victorian Spirit in the Women’s National Cricket League.
From there, the 19-year-old will be called on to display her rapid speed with the ball and brute strength with the bat in the first season of the women’s Big Bash League.
Hancock was offered a contract by Melbourne Renegades earlier this year and will join the likes of Molly Strano and Cassie Brock in the representative outfit.
It was no surprise the Williamstown resident was one of the first players snapped up for the inaugural women’s Big Bash season.
As an opening bowler and middle-order batter, Hancock has the ability to blow opposition sides away.
“My goal is to be as lethal with the bat as I am with the ball,” she says.
“In Twenty-20 cricket, pace bowling helps me a lot.
“But being able to hit those boundary balls, that’s something not all women are able to do. It’s a big advantage and I can’t wait to get into it.”
Hancock has the perfect grounding for her busy summer having spent most of the off-season travelling with the Australian women’s cricket team as part of the national Shooting Stars development squad.
Her first stop was a training camp and tour of Sri Lanka where she played against the national women’s team before flying to Dubai to play the English academy side.
As part of her training, Hancock has worked closely with Australian women’s cricket legend Cathryn Fitzpatrick.
A former national coach, Fitzpatrick now trains members of the Shooting Stars squad.
“I feel like Cathryn is someone I really look up to,” Hancock says.
“She understands her game so much and can identify little things in my game that I need to improve.
“I thought I was ready for a big summer last year, but I feel like a completely different player this year.
“Mentally and physically, I know my game more. I know my teammates’ games and what level I need to reach.”
For her outstanding sporting achievements Hancock has been named as a monthly nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award is run by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club in conjunction with
Star Weekly.
Hancock will receive $1000, donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, and other prizes to assist her towards her sporting goals.
The Don Deeble Rising Star award recognises young athletes in the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at a state and national level.
To nominate a young athlete from the west for the Rising Star Award, email ltwomey@starweekly.com.au
