Carter Eilertsen makes his mark in U11 cricket
From closing his eyes when facing the ball to becoming the U11 NAS tournament’s Overall Top Performer, nine-year-old Carter Eilertsen’s cricket journey.
At nine years old, Carter Eilertsen has already come a long way from the young cricketer who would step towards the ball, close his eyes and hope for the best.
Today, the Old Lions U11 Orange NAS player confidently opens the batting, takes wickets and has developed into an all-round cricketer whose recent achievements mark another milestone in his young sporting journey.
Read more: Bragging rights for cricket club
“I remember how I batted like ninth or 10th and how scary it was when the balls would come at me. I would step and close my eyes, hoping I hit the ball.”
Those fears have since disappeared. “Now I’m not scared of balls, and I normally face the first ball of every match. I also hit the wickets lots.”
Carter’s love for the game grew as he watched professional cricketers on television.
“I remember watching cricket on TV and seeing the players dive and hit the ball far and was like, wow, I want to be like them when I grow up,” he said.
And when it comes to choosing between batting and bowling, Carter refuses to pick a favourite.
“My coach, Nic Letcher, knows me best, but coach Campbell Farr and coach Devon Kandan taught me so much. They have taught me how to do everything in cricket. I like listening to them.”
Also read: All non-professional cricket matches postponed
After winning the Best Bowler award for U9 at the NAS tournament last year, Carter stepped up to U11 this year and once again made his mark.
He won the U11 Best Bowler award and was named the Overall Top Performer of the U11 tournament. He also finished third in batting, earned two Man of the Match awards – one for bowling and one for batting – took six wickets in a match, and had the opportunity to captain his team.
“It feels great. My hard work and my coaches have made me better.”
For his parents, the awards are only one part of what makes Carter’s journey special.
His father, Mike, describes him as “so incredibly determined”, adding that he has developed a fluidity in his movement that makes him “pleasant to watch”.
His mother, Candice, said the qualities that matter most are not necessarily the ones that appear on a scorecard.
His immediate goal is straightforward: keep doing what he loves and continue improving.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
