Broadmeadows’ Jagadeswara Rao Koduru’s love for cricket began as he watched his dad play.
While his dad has long retired, Jagadeswara, or Jagadesh as he’s known, still plays enough cricket for both of them.
“I play or train six days a week and only don’t train if its raining,” he said last week.
“I’m part of a coaching program and have a couple of coaches. I also go down to the cricket nets and practice.”
The hard work has paid off for a 10-year-old who has been selected as part of the School Sport Victoria’s under-12 state cricket team.
“My school principal [from St Domenics] nominated me,” he said.
“They select three people from the north-west [Melbourne schools] division to go to the state trials.
“They had three trials which included batting and bowling trials and also fielding practice. I was the only one from the north-west division who got in the team.”
Jagadesh, who plays for Glenroy Cricket Club, sees himself as a batting all rounder.
He bats at number three and bowls leg spin.
“I’ve being playing cricket since I was four,” he says.
“I want to play cricket internationally and wear the baggy green.”
He will travel with the team to Darwin for the School Sport Australia 12-years-and-under cricket championships from June 15 to 23.
“We will have practice sessions in Bendigo and Gisborne and have some practice on the wicket beforehand.
“I’m hoping to bat well. Hopefully, I’ll make some new friends and add some new skills,” he said.