Will Malajczuk, the Australia who hit fastest hundred in U-19 World Cup, was almost lost to Aussie Rule Football

Besides, coach Tim Nielsen rates him highly. “If he does come off, it just gives the rest of the batting order that pillow, or buffer, that we’re going quickly at the start and they don’t have to be too panicky,” he said before the tournament. He has been given the licence to attack from the get-go, which he has been dutifully performing.

But a dual sportsman, he was almost footie’s gain and cricket’s lose. At the stroke of last year, he was made to choose between the two sports. It was a tough call, but he told West Australian that he doesn’t repent the decision despite his footie club winning the league. “I already have one (colts premiership) to my name, so I’m pretty happy with where I stand. I would’ve loved to have kept playing footy and I have a love for both sports. “In the middle of this year, I played a couple of colts games and PSA (Public Schools Association) was returning and I thought I had to call it quits and put all my eggs in the basket of cricket,” he said.

“He’s an incredible player … it helps all of us through the middle (of the batting order) to get such a great start,” Australia captain Ollie Peake said post-game.

Of all the awards and souvenirs, he treasures the ‘youth’ Baggy Green he received before his youth-Test debut. “It’s not a real baggy green, but you look at your under-19 baggy green and you’re kind of just in awe. Being able to put the Aussie kit on, it’s pretty special,” he said. Getting the real one is the dream that drives him.

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