Callee Black - First Grade Cap No 61 - Penrith Cricket Club

Penrith Cricket Club | February 20, 2025

Let's find out more about Callee's journey in the game so far.

What year were you born?

2007

Tell us about your cricket journey.

I started playing when I was about 7 for the Wellington District Cricket Club up until I was 11 to 12. Then we moved to Bathurst, and I started playing for the Bathurst Bushrangers Cricket Club. Around 13 is when I started travelling to Penrith, moving through Brewers to currently playing First Grade.

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

 

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

On the field, just the competition, getting into a challenge with the batter or bowler. Off the field, definitely making friends and spending time with my teammates.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

I took 6/7 in a local comp in Bathurst when I was 15. But I also scored 114* off 65 balls in an Orange carnival. It’s hard to split the two!

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

I really enjoy watching Glenn Maxwell play as well as Mitchell Starc.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

Probably Milly Illingworth, who plays for the Renegades now. She bowls quite quick.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Probably Charli Knott or Sienna Eve. They really know how to dot you up and bowl really consistently.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Phoebe Litchfield. She scored I think 161* or something like that at an U19 national carnival when I was 15. It looked like no-one was getting her out. It was pretty amazing to watch.

Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?

Probably the First Grade wicket keeper for Penrith right now – Ella Tilburg. We’ve been playing together for years, and she’s always kept to me. She’s a very reliable girl.

Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?

I think you should look out for Gunisha Garg. She’s an amazing player in all facets of her game, bowling, batting, fielding. She’s good to watch and play with.

Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

It’s hard to go past Elise Noble. She's been so consistent with both bat and ball and especially at the top of the order providing stability. Also Emma Hughes – she’s a very talented bowler and getting to open the bowling with her is a privilege. She’s someone I think I can learn so much from.

What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?

Decision-making is one. Obviously every decision they make can have a huge impact on the game so having the game awareness to make the right decision is extremely important. Also leading by example, being someone that everyone looks up to, and taking on those pressure moments when the game is tight.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

I’d love to see Adele. That would be amazing.

Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

Probably Africa or Europe.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

Probably my dad. He’s been there for me since I started playing. He makes sure I’m prepared, comes along to every game, drives all across Australia for me, and throws me a countless number of balls, so I can’t get much better than him.

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

I think just looking towards my family and the people that matter most can help. But also looking at my inner self and having that self-belief that I know I can do something.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?

Anne Frank, Princess Diana and Margot Robbie.

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

I also play AFL and League Tag so I enjoy those during the off-season. But also spending time with my family and friends means the world to me.

What do you do for work or at University?

I just finished Year 12 so I’m aiming to take a gap year and find some work but then eventually head to uni and study a degree in primary teaching.

Do you have a favourite quote?

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

 

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