15-Year-Old Caoimhe Bray Makes Historic WBBL Debut, Embraces Ellyse Perry Comparisons
Caoimhe Bray, the 15-year-old all-rounder, has made a remarkable debut for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), becoming the youngest player in the competition’s history. Despite comparisons to Australian legend Ellyse Perry, Bray remains unfazed and embraces the opportunity to learn from her idol.
Bray’s journey to the WBBL has been meteoric. As an eight-year-old, she played for her Under-11 club cricket team. Last season, she amassed 955 runs in the NSW Under-18 Brewer Shield and led her team to the title. Her all-round performance in a tri-series against New Zealand earned her a spot in the Australia Under-19 squad.
In the WBBL Spring Challenge, Bray impressed with her pace bowling, clocking 112kph. Her five wickets in four games, including the dismissal of Laura Harris, caught the attention of the Sixers.
On Sunday, Bray made her WBBL debut against the Adelaide Strikers. She claimed the wicket of Deandra Dottin and hit the winning runs, guiding the Sixers to victory. Despite her nerves, Bray remained composed and focused on her own game.
“I don’t think it’s anything like scary or overwhelming being compared to her [Ellyse Perry] because she’s such a great person,” Bray said. “I just love that people are even saying it.”
Bray’s dual-sport career includes representing the Junior Matildas in football. Despite her WBBL contract, she intends to continue playing both sports for as long as possible.
Bray’s rapid rise has been a testament to her talent and dedication. Her ability to bowl at high speeds and her all-round skills have made her a valuable asset to the Sixers. As she continues to develop, Bray has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in Australian cricket.