The Keeper of Wickets

Daisy's Debut

Opportunities for women to play cricket we're almost no existent when I was a kid. Girls either played hockey, netball or tennis, boys played cricket, footy or basketball. I was determined to crush the discrimination, I tried my absolute hardest to get people to listen to me, but being barely 5 feet tall and a girl, expressing my views on cricket was almost impossible.

My Dad played cricket for our small hometown club, the Echidna Creek Thorns, every Saturday of my childhood summers, he is good, really good. He can just flick his wrist and send a ball for six but it was when he was behind the stumps that I idolised him most. He moves so quickly, like a flash of light, even the batsmen wouldn't know he's out.
My father plays so well it is like first nature. He played for the South Australian side, the Red Backs, and in 1995, at age 21, my Dad was picked for Australia. He has the invitation framed and it hangs above our door way in the lounge room.

Dear Mr Jack Cook,
On behalf of Cricket Australia, we would like to invite you to join our team in playing against England in the 1995-96 Ashes series.
Your cricketing skills are beyond outstanding and would be valued immensely in our team.
We hope you are willing and able to play for you country.
Good luck and regards,
Ian Chappell

My Dad played in that tests series and took me with him. We travelled Australia doing what we both loved. Playing cricket and watching my dad in his element. There's a photo of me sucking on an icy pole, sitting in his locker with his baggy green lodged on my head, Dad's arm around me and laughter written all over our lips. The memories I have of that test are some of my fondest.
That was the first and last test Dad played in for Australia. He was forced to quit playing for the country when I started school. Feeling responsible for his sadness and disappointment, I promised myself that one day I would play for Australia, even if it was the last thing I did.

Dad and I trekked down to Saturday games in our old Holden ute and our cricket bags. I would sit and watch every ball my eyes glued to the pitch.
'We're bloody lucky to have your Dad playin' for us Squidge, very bloody lucky.' The blokes would tell me, while ruffling my hair. I usually wore a wide brimmed Greg Chappell hat that Greg himself gave to me. I wore it proudly and often reminded people that Greg told me I was going to play for Australia. The men would just laugh but their wives would smile and encourage me to exactly what I dreamt.

'C'mon Daise, time for a hit.' Dad would call as he walked off he field. Before his beer, before even acknowledging the outcome of the game, he would take my hand and walk me down to the nets at the bottom of the oval.

'Soon enough Squidge you'll be able to play a proper game, with the boys.' Dad reassured, throwing another ball down at my feet.
'They'll just pay me out, there's no point.' I replied. Dad froze in mid-throw, his eyebrows furrow and he purses his lips together.
'You're not reconsidering are you Daisy Cook?' He questioned.
My eyes move down to the scuffed toes of my shoes. Dad's big hands rest on either side of my face, he tilted my head up to meet his eyes.
'I don't want your talent going to waste, I look back now and I reckon we would've been fine playing for Australia, I want you back there bub, I'm not letting you forget that dream you have. Julia Price isn't hung on your wall for no reason now is she?' He smiled softly.
I shook my head, 'No Dad she's not.' I responded.
'We'll get there Dot, that's my promise to you, as your dad it is my duty to help my little girl achieve her dreams. I will travel miles, stay up for hours, listen to your stories, listen to your rants, I'm here for you, like any good dad should be.' His strong arms drew my body into his. He leant down and kissed the top of my head.
'Thanks Dad.' I whispered, tears brimming on my eyes, the 12 year old me really needed to hear that.

It turned out the cricketing gods were in my favour that week. The U/14 colts coach, Glenn Murdoch, saw me playing in the nets, and thankfully his views on equality were equal to mine and asked me if I wanted to play with the boys against Gum Tree Hill. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was I really about to play a game of cricket?

'Alright gather round.' Glenn beckoned and the group of us huddled in together.
'Gentlemen I'd like to introduce you to Daisy, I'm sure you all know her, if I hear that any of you discriminating her you'll have a four game suspension, treat her like a sister, as a mate. She'll be batting, Ollie give her a bowl if you want. Righto go and have fun kiddos.' Glenn smiled before walking over to my dad.
Ollie took centre stage, 'Alright, these blokes are sluggers, just bowl full and on the spot and we'll have em, stay quick with your hands Noah, right, Thorns on three!'
"1! 2! 3! THORNS!" We chorused excitedly before running towards our fielding positions.

So, that was my first game of cricket, I made 19 runs and took 8 wickets, wasn't bad for a debutant. Never for a second did I believe I would go any further than the Under 14 colts team, but oh how I was mistaken. As I kid, walking awkwardly onto the pitch, padded up to an inch of my life, I had no idea that that day would change my entire life, forever.