Two young WA cricketers supported by the WA Cricket Foundation were given the opportunity to bowl to Australia’s Test squad ahead of last month’s NRMA Insurance Test against Pakistan in Perth.
Cody Hoffmeister and David Melling were invited into the WACA Ground nets to help prepare the Australian team ahead of the first Test Match of the summer.
Hoffmeister and Melling both take part in the WA Cricket Foundation’s high-performance pathways.
Melling is one of the best deaf allrounders in the world and part of Australia’s National Deaf Squad. He debuted for Australia at the 2018 World Cup in India where he was ranked the number one batter in the world and scored a century against Nepal.
Hoffmeister has represented WA in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships over the past four years and is a member of the Aboriginal Talent Academy. He has been a key pillar of WA Cricket’s Aboriginal Pathway Programs both as a player and staff member.
Hoffmeister was thrilled to be chosen as one of a select few to join the Australian team for training.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience to bowl to some of the best players in the world, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of WA Cricket and the WA Cricket Foundation,” he said.
“The team were really welcoming and seeing their dedication just pushes us to elevate our own performances to the next level.
“It was an amazing experience to be in the nets with the Australian Test squad and something Dave and I certainly won’t forget!”
You can find out more about how the WA Cricket Foundation supports Aboriginal Cricket and People with a Disability.