Angela named cricketer of the year

KNOCKROW leg-spinner Angela Reakes next month will be named NSW Country Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

The accolade caps a year to remember for the 19-year-old, who has cemented a spot in both NSW limited-overs sides.

Reakes played in the final of the Twenty20 and 50-over formats against Victoria, splitting the titles.

Last month she was named in Australia’s squad of 30 for the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean in April.

The young tweaker has been humbled by her rapid rise.

“It has been a great year for me,” Reakes said.

“But I am quite surprised to be receiving the cricketer of the year award.

“There are a lot of good cricketers coming out of the country so I am blown away.”

Reakes is only an outside chance to make the final cut for the Caribbean, but is approaching it as if she will be there.

“I will just keep training hard, if I get the call-up so be it,” she said.

“It’s just great to know that you are up there having your name tossed around with the best in the country.”

The Knockrow kid has one last chance to impress national selectors with her final club game this weekend.

She captains the Sydney club first-grade side and will rely on her batting to do the talking.

“Maybe if I get a hundred I will make the tour,” she said.

She will use her captaincy to give herself the best opportunity to impress.

“I will bat at four or five and hope to make a big score.”

Reakes batted at No 11 all year for the NSW Breakers, but insists that is no indication of her prowess with the willow.

“I didn’t get out once all year,” she said.

“Next year I will definitely be looking to move my way up the order.”

The way limited-overs cricket is played these days, bowlers who can bat are a must.

Reakes knows that and will be working hard on all facets of her game with national honours now well within reach.