Lucy Hamilton’s meteoric rise from reserve fast bowler to Test debutant marks a pivotal moment in Australian women’s cricket Lucy Hamilton’s journey from a 19-year-old reserve fast bowler to a potential Test cricketer has been nothing short of extraordinary. The tall left-arm seamer’s breakthrough came in a dramatic turn of events when an injury to Australian seamer Kim Garth opened the door for her to earn a coveted baggy green for this week’s pink-ball Test against India at the WACA. The opportunity follows a 12-month ascent that has seen her transition from a promising domestic talent to a national icon in the making. Hamilton’s national debut coincided with a symbolic passing of the torch, as she received her maiden ODI cap from retiring legend Alyssa Healy during the final match of Healy’s ODI career. The moment underscored the shifting dynamics of Australia’s women’s team, which is navigating a transition period following the retirements of Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, and Megan Schutt. Hamilton’s inclusion in the Test squad for the day-night Test against India, set to begin on Friday, highlights her emergence as a key figure in the team’s future. The 19-year-old’s rise has been fueled by a combination of raw talent, relentless work ethic, and a series of high-profile achievements. In 2024, she claimed the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) Young Gun award, joining an elite group of past recipients including Ashleigh Gardner and Sophie Molineux. Despite a challenging season with the Brisbane Heat, where the team finished last, Hamilton’s performances in the Women’s Premier League auction caught the attention of Delhi Capitals, who signed her for $17,000 (50 lakh) in a landmark deal. Her debut in the Indian tournament saw her strike a 19-ball 36, including three sixes, against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.#alyssa_healy #lucy_hamilton #kimi_garth #waca #wbbl
