Two emerging South Australian cricketers have been recognised with selection in the Australian Under 19 Women’s Squad.
Indira Panelli (Kensington) and Aijay Willoughby (West Torrens) have been chosen in the 15-player squad, which will tour Sri Lanka next month. Australia will take to the field in a six-match bilateral series, featuring five Twenty20’s and a 50-over match.
A powerful right-hand bat and fast bowler, Indira was selected in the Team of the Tournament at the Under 16s National Championships last year, where she led the team to glory.
Her game has risen to new heights following strong performances with the bat at the recent Cricket Australia Lanning-Perry series.
It’s not just the cricket pitch where she shines though, with Indi playing for the Sturt Football Club in the SANFLW and Pembroke Old Scholars, where she recently took out the Narelle Smith Medal as the best player in the Division Three competition.
Aijay is a reliable middle order batter and fast bowler, who has been a strong contributor in both disciplines throughout her junior career and, more recently, at the Lanning-Perry series.
The West Torrens talent is a natural hitter of the ball, recording the highest strike rate at the Under 19s National Championships last year.
She also boasts excellent ball speed and steep bounce, which will continue to progress as she rises through the ranks.
She is also a strong leader on the field, captaining South Australia alongside Indira in the Under 16 National Championships.
Ilona Melegh (Adelaide) was also chosen in the squad, but due to her commitments with Adelaide United as a goal keeper she will not be travelling with the team.
Ilona has earned a reputation as an explosive top order batter, often taking on the field down the ground.
These talents were on show earlier this year when she blasted 101 not out off 60 balls for Adelaide in a Under 18 T20.
She is also an emerging wicket keeper and provides excellent leadership on and off the field.
The tour of Sri Lanka begins on Saturday, September 20.