Pocket Profile: James Cisternas - Western Suburbs District Cricket Club
Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney | July 28, 2024
James Cisternas is a hard-working and extremely committed all-rounder who has played for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club since joining in the 2019/20 season.
Over the season, James took 22 wickets at 13.05, taking 5-23 off 11 overs against Randwick Petersham as well as top-scoring with 48 not out against Blacktown in third grade.
Here's our quick pocket profile with James.
Chemist Warehouse Ashfield is a proud sponsor of Western Suburbs District Cricket Club
What year were you born?
2004
Tell us about your cricket journey. Where did you start junior cricket and the clubs you’ve played for in senior cricket?
I began playing cricket at Earlwood Cricket Club when I was 9 years old. The following season, I was selected to represent the Canterbury & Western Suburbs Cricket Association for six years. Then, I had the opportunity to represent Western Suburbs District Cricket Club in the U16 Green Shield tournament, and I've been playing grade cricket for Wests ever since.
If you can share with our readers, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
I am an all-rounder who bats and bowls right-handed. As a batter, I would describe myself as a busy and aggressive batter. As a bowler, I focus on hitting a consistent line and length with the ability to swing the ball, as well as putting the batsman under pressure by limiting and restricting the batter's ability to score runs.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
What I enjoy most about playing cricket are those small chances and opportunities that can change the game in an instant. Whether it's a crucial innings or partnership that gets your team over the line, or a critical wicket that breaks a big partnership and wins the match. These moments of pure emotion and joy, and sharing these experiences with your teammates, are what truly make cricket so enjoyable.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Taking five wickets and scoring a match-winning fifty in a one-day match
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Hard choice, either Michael Hussey or Andrew Symonds because of how passion and hard working they both were and how their individual efforts were able to change the game on its head in Australia’s favour
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Hanno Jacobs
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Tom Brooks
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Usman Khawaja's first innings hundred at the SCG after being dropped for the test squad for 3 years. Australia were in big trouble and his innings not only brought Australia back into the fight but ahead against England in the ashes.
Who is the best wicketkeeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
Ryan Brooks
Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?
Flynn Nicholls
Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
Liam Sparke and Paul Ryan
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
Communication and leading by example
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Travis Scott
Who’s considered the biggest pest at your club?
Dev Adhikari
Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?
Capri in Italy
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
The biggest influence on my career so far has undoubtedly been my father. He was the one who introduced me to cricket from an early age, imparting in me a passion for the game and a strong work ethic. He always took me to every match I played and spent countless hours practicing with me in the backyard, which eventually transferred into the cricket nets. His unwavering support and encouragement have been pivotal in shaping me as a person and I owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he has done for me.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Kobe Byrant and Novak Djokovic
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Spending time with friends and family
What are you studying at university
Bachelor of Psychology
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Focus on what’s in front of you, not what's behind you”
What are your goals for the next season?
One of the main goals for this season is winning a competition
Who are the two players at Western Suburbs you predict will have a big season in 2024-25?
Ethan Anderson and Arnav Raina
What would it mean to you to play first-class cricket?
Playing first-class cricket would be incredibly special and a great honour. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. It would be a testament to all the sacrifices and effort put in by not only me but also by my family, coaches, and teammates. It would provide an opportunity to compete at a higher level, to test myself against some of the best players in the game, and to continue growing and developing as a cricketer.
