SHE has only played indoor cricket for the past 18 months but Eliza Barnett is already a national champion in the sport.
The 16-year-old will travel to New Zealand next month for the Indoor Cricket World Cup, where she will compete as part of the Australian under 17 girls team.
About $4500 is needed to send Eliza to the international competition, with about $3000 to be fundraised.
- Read more: Sports fanatic set for games role
- Read more: Suns AFL coach expects stars to stay put
- Read more: Redlands gymnasts shine at women’s state championships
She has set up a Go Fund Me to help send her overseas.
Mum Sonya Barnett said she was thrilled her daughter had been chosen for the Australian squad but not surprised, with Eliza gifted at sports.
“It is a dream come true for (her),” she said. “… her talent definitely does not come from me.”
Barnett began playing indoor cricket last year to improve her agility in outdoor cricket, which she has played for the past decade.
Ms Barnett said indoor cricket required a different skill set because of the speed involved, with the sport described as a fast and furious game.
“It’s all about reflexes and tactics,” she said.
Ms Barnett said it was not the first time her daughter has transitioned quickly into other sports.
The Ormiston College year 10 student swapped to AFL from soccer this year, helping her Victoria Point Sharks team step into first division.
Eliza is also skilled at javelin and has qualified to compete in a bayside athletics event later this year.
The Ormiston College student plays sport five days a week, which includes morning school sports and evening cricket fixtures on Saturday.
She was selected for the Australian indoor cricket team after her outstanding performances at nationals during the school holidays, where she helped her Queensland 17s team secure victory.
