Will Sutherland opted for cricket over AFL and a big award makes that call appear one.
Having already been chosen to play for Australia A in opposition to India, Sutherland has cemented his place amongst the best young expertise in the recreation.
The 21-year-old joined an inventory of 21 earlier winners of the award, of which solely 4 haven’t performed for Australia at both Check or restricted overs stage.
“I noticed a few of the names, David Warner, Brett Lee and studying that was fairly thrilling,” Sutherland stated.
“Even Will Pucovski, to see what he has been in a position to do in two years since he received the award, to play for Australia reveals what’s doable if I preserve working onerous.”
Pucovski received the award in 2019, as a 19-year-old, and made his Check debut at the SCG in January.
Sutherland additionally performed in opposition to India at the SCG, final December, as a part of the Australia A crew and stated it confirmed him what was wanted to go to the subsequent stage.
“To play in opposition to these guys at a young age … it was fairly eye-opening,” he stated.
Sutherland solely took one wicket in that match as the young Australia outfit was outplayed by an Indian facet that went on to win the Check collection 2-1.
The son of former Cricket Australia boss James, and brother of ladies’s all-rounder Annabel, Sutherland was touted as a top-10 AFL draft prospect earlier than selecting to observe the household path.

Having cemented his place in the Victorian line-up over the previous 12 months, Sutherland confirmed his prowess with the bat however primarily the ball throughout the voting interval.
He took 26 wickets throughout the Sheffield Defend, one-day and Huge Bash competitions at a median of at 24.15, together with 6/67 in opposition to South Australia in March final 12 months.
“I’ve matured a bit in the final couple of seasons and received a bit extra assured in my position, particularly for Victoria,” Sutherland stated.
“Every time I get right into a contest I may be fairly aggressive … and to contribute to a few wins was fairly thrilling.”
Sutherland stated profitable an award voted for by the gamers was additional particular.
“They’re sturdy competitions now we have been enjoying in the Sheffield Defend and Huge Bash with a number of good young cricketers coming by means of, so to get that recognition is fairly thrilling for me at this level of my profession,” he stated.
“I feel it’s at all times a bit additional particular each time you win a player-voted award. To get recognition from senior gamers and the Australian cricket competitors, it’s fairly superior and means lots to me.”
PREVIOUS WINNERS:
2000: Brett Lee
2001: Nathan Bracken
2002: Shane Watson
2003: Nathan Hauritz
2004: Shaun Tait
2005: Mark Cosgrove
2006: Dan Cullen
2007: Ben Hilfenhaus
2008: Luke Pomersbach
2009: Phillip Hughes
2010: John Hastings
2011: Trent Copeland
2012: David Warner
2013: Joe Burns
2014: Jordan Silk
2015: Sean Abbott
2016: Alex Ross
2017: Hilton Cartwright
2018: Jhye Richardson
2019: Will Pucovski
2020: Wes Agar
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