Caoimhe Bray, just 15 years old, has already made a name for herself in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), and now she's showcasing her prodigious cricketing talent on the global stage. The athletically gifted youngster doesn't seem to mind being considered a carbon copy of her idol, Ellyse Perry. She got off to a perfect start for Australia's U19 team at the T20 World Cup in Malaysia on Saturday.
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02-07, 2025The all-rounder from Newcastle took 3 wickets in 3.2 overs, all of them clean bowled, along with a spectacular diving catch. Australia defeated Scotland by nine wickets in their opening match in Bangi. Bray’s outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Having previously become the youngest player in WBBL history at 15 years and one month old, playing alongside Perry at the Sydney Sixers, she is clearly enjoying the experience.
“It’s crazy, I didn’t expect any of that to happen,” she said of her performance. Her efforts helped Australia bowl Scotland out for just 48 runs in 15.1 overs. Her batting wasn't needed as Australia chased down the target in 6.4 overs, with opener Katy Pelle remaining unbeaten on 29 off 18 balls. “It’s been a really great experience. Being able to go out there and sing the anthem is really exciting and it’s been a really enjoyable experience,” Bray said. “I didn’t expect it to go that well, but it was a ‘feel good, play good’ day and I ended up hitting the stumps, so I’ll take it.”
“It was almost the perfect day for the team today. I think if we can do that against the tougher teams, like in the semi-finals or finals, we’ll almost certainly win, and we’ll be pushing for the gold.” Australia fell short in the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023, losing to England in the semi-finals. But this time, their chances seem greater, led by 19-year-old captain and Adelaide Strikers fast bowler Eleanor Larosa, who also took an impressive 3 wickets for 7 runs in three overs.
“We just need to stay humble and not get too cocky and just take it step by step,” Bray said. Like Perry, she excels not only in cricket but has also achieved notable success on the soccer field. “I think a lot of people always say to me ‘Oh, Ellyse Perry’ because I play soccer and cricket.” “It’s happening more and more now, and it’s even cooler to play with her.” “She’s not arrogant at all and is such a great person, which makes her great not just as a cricketer, but as a person, and her humility is admirable.”
Australia’s next match is against Bangladesh on Monday, who also won their opening match in Malaysia. They defeated Australia in their opening match of the 2023 World Cup.
