Junior Eden cricketer Jessie Mudaliar's ACT side finished runner-up at the National Indoor Titles at Dubbo last week.
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Despite never previously playing the indoor format, 12-year-old Jessie excelled in the under 14 girls division, finishing among the leading run scorers in her division while consistently bowling eye-catching spells.
Played over eight days, the national indoor competition attracts the nation’s top junior players with most sides filled out with their best state outdoor players.
Jessie's class batting and bowling skills helped lead her ACT team to the grand final after defeating NSW in a cliffhanger semi final.
Despite the grand final defeat to Victoria, it was the best ever finish by an ACT women's side in a national carnival.
Jessie bowled exceptionally well against a great Victorian side to finish with one wicket for four runs off her two overs. In an earlier match against Queensland – broadcast live on the Cricket Australia web channel – Jessie picked up two for minus-3 off her two overs and made 14 not out with the bat.
Her bowling action, pace and ability to beat batsmen earned high praise from commentators, coaches and match officials who picked her out for a big future.
Another highlight was her 21 not out of her team’s total of 35 in an earlier round match against the strong Victorian side.
Midway through the tournament Jessie was statistically ranked among the top junior players as her run tally lead her ACT team while not being dismissed through the first four games.
She came back to the field later in the tournament but was still among the tournament's leading run scorers and bowlers.
Jessie now moves into the ACT/Southern NSW academy at Manuka Oval, Canberra, for the upcoming outdoor summer season where she will be coached by national player Erin Osborne and NZ fast bowler Nicola Brown.
She then hopes to gain selection in the ACT and NSW sides in the representative carnivals held over summer.