A stellar debut first-class batting performance over the summer has delivered Thorneside lefthander Sam Heazlett a spot in the Australia A team playing India and South Africa.
The 20-year-old former Sheldon College student caught the eye of selectors after making 128 runs on the first innings playing for Queensland Bulls against Tasmania in Hobart in December.
On his debut at number three, he was named Man of the Match and ended the season clocking up an average 40 runs per innings playing nine of 10 games for the Bulls.
"I had a good season with Queensland and I guess I must have impressed with the bat," the unassuming cricketer told Redland City Bulletin.
"I also played Big Bash for the Brisbane Heat in January over summer which was great fun and I hit a few sixes, which was pretty cool - even though I didn't set the world on fire.
"It was fun playing in front of 30,000 people live and a million-plus watching on television.
"I'm looking forward to the next challenge and playing for Australia."
Before moving to Thirneside, his family lived at Alex Hills where he was given his first games at the Alexandra Hills Cricket Club.
Despite a hectic schedule, Heazlett still has his roots in Redlands and is loyal to his club team, The Redland Tigers, where he started playing when he was 13.
The up-and-coming Australian batsman divides his time between pre-season training at the National Cricket Centre playing in the National Performance Squad in Brisbane and studying physiotherapy part-time at Griffith University.
During his three-month training in Brisbane, Heazlett will be playing in the Australia A team against India and South Africa.
"When I get the chance I will always return to grade cricket for the Redland Tigers but at the moment I am pretty busy," he said.
"My parents are both stoked as they have supported me for many years and it is always good to be recognised with the opportunity to impress, and I'm looking forward to that."
