She’s batty about cricket
Local cricketer wins big at the KZN cricket awards.
WHEN Durban North resident, Brittany Payne, started playing cricket, she was the only girl in the U13C Northlands Primary School squad and captained the team, a unique position one might say.
Far from it being a daunting prospect, the cricketing queen has gone on to represent various KZN women’s teams and cement her place in the province’s U19 squad. The Northlands Girls’ High School off-spinner was crowned the KZN Women’s Cricket Union best bowler at the KZN Sports Awards recently.
It all started with backyard cricket, but more incredibly, the 18-year-old is self taught. “Although AB de Villiers is my favourite player, when I started playing cricket, I modelled my bowling action on Shaun Pollock. It wasn’t until Grade 5 that I began experimenting with off-spin,” she said.
It’s a decision that has paid dividends. In her last seven games, Brittany has bagged 17 wickets. The personal highlight of her fledgling career so far has been her inclusion in the KZN U19 women’s side.
“It’s definitely one of the best moments, anytime you represent your province is an honour,” she enthused.
