UNSW team takes on world's best

UNSW’s Twenty20 student team will represent Australia at the Red Bull Campus Cricket World Series Championship in Sri Lanka, battling it out against five of the best university cricket teams from around the world.

The team beat Melbourne Univeristy to win the National Championships in December. Team captain and Law student Tom Atallah says he hopes to draw on that experience for the matches ahead in Colombo.

“I’m not going to say we will definitely win, but hopefully we will challenge the other teams," he said.

“Sub-continental cricket is very different, though. The heat and a different playing surface are the main challenges we’ll face."

The Championships will be a new experience for many of the players, whose team has drawn a pool with England and India. Teams from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also compete in the series.

International women’s cricket champion Ellyse Perry attended a final campus training session with the squad and advised them to be prepared to play a different kind of game.

“It was fantastic to get some cricket tips from Ellyse, as she’s just returned from playing in the World Cup in Sri Lanka. She’s advised us that we won’t be scoring 200 over there, and to approach the game a little differently,” Tom said.  

Mentoring the team is former Australian fast-bowler, Geoff Lawson, a University alumnus and UNSW Cricket Club coach.

“Whether we win or lose we’ll be representing the University and the country,” he told the players.  

Vice-President, University Services, Neil Morris, also attended the final practice session and congratulated the squad for reaching this point in the tournament.

“Have no expectations, enjoy yourselves and ensure to embrace not only the game but also the culture,” he said.

The Red Bull Campus Cricket World Series Championship takes place between April 2-6. Follow UNSW’s Twenty20 progress in Sri Lanka here.

Media contact: Cassie Chorn, UNSW Media Office, 02 9385 8107