Ollie Sykes: Made of all the right stuff
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | September 30, 2024
A fresh-faced Ollie Sykes arrived in Sydney as a Surrey academy player through the International Cricket Programme with tremendous wraps on his ability to dismantle bowling attacks and single-handedly take the game away from the opposition.
He ended up living up – and surpassing – all of the accolades above during his season of Grade Cricket with the UTS North Sydney Bears and beyond.
In saying that, the year wasn’t without a shaky start. The 18-year-old battled to find his feet in grade cricket, struggling for runs during the opening three weeks of the Albert Cup in the Bears Second Grade side, seeing him spend some time in Third Grade.
The way you come back from a tough start to the year is an excellent representation of one’s character, let alone being 18 and on the other side of the world while it unfolds.
Having the spotlight on you in foreign conditions is complex and something many English prospects who arrive on Australian shores struggle with.
It is evident Sykes will have a prosperous professional career. He illustrated this by the way he came back from an adverse start. Not just that, but the way he backed his ability and his natural ball-striking brilliance, even when the cards didn’t fall his way—a great head on his shoulders for an 18-year-old at the time.
“First coming in, I found it very tough, felt under pressure being an overseas and got into my head about different conditions to what I’m used to,” Sykes told CriConnect.
“I started looking to score off every ball rather than just trying to face balls and survive. Being proactive is a big thing for me rather than just waiting for a bad ball which at the level of cricket in Sydney doesn’t always come.”
Sykes celebrates a PGs half century. PHOTO: Ian Bird.
As mentioned, he bounced back reasonably quickly. Sporting a healthy average, north of 35 in Second Grade. Including a blistering century at Waverley Oval against Eastern Suburbs. The echoes of leather on willow were something to behold as the talented Sykes deposited a solid Dolphins’ bowling attack all over Bondi Road on his way to 138 off 98 balls, clearing the ropes ten times.
“Ollie’s innings was the perfect cocktail of class, elegance and explosive power-hitting.” Norths’ former left-arm spinner Sam Alexander said.
“It’s an innings you would expect from a seasoned professional, and it is indicative of the talent this kid possesses.
“It was a privilege to bear witness to such a great performance by an even more impressive young man. He has got a bright future ahead, which has been recognised by his recent call up to first-class cricket,” Alexander added.
Sykes was instrumental in the Premiership-winning Poidevin-Gray Shield side (u21s). His promotion to open the innings for the elimination weeks of the competition proved to be a stroke of genius by Head Coach John Saint.
PG Premiership winners. PHOTO: Ian Bird.
In the semi-final against Randwick Petersham, Sykes looked like he was trying to get drafted into the Major League Baseball as he deposited 156-gram kookaburras out of the ballpark ball after ball.
He finished on 79 off 42 balls, the boundary at North Sydney Oval no match for his nine sixes.
In the Grand Final, it was more of the same. Mosman dog walkers were in perennial danger as Sykes again slapped his way to a quick-fire 60 at Alan Border Oval, Norths beating a strong Northern Districts outfit by seven wickets.
“I was told before I came out how good the PG’s comp was, and it was definitely the highlight of my time there. Also, to contribute to the club winning a trophy last season was very special, and hopefully, the boys can go back-to-back this season,” Sykes says.
Sykes was awarded a contract with Surrey when he arrived home and has featured in all three formats for the County Championship Champions this summer. He believes he arrived back on English soil with more belief in his ability, preparing him to go to the next level.
“I came back with so much more confidence and belief in myself as a result of my time at Norths. I also understood my game far better and felt better prepared for many different scenarios,” Sykes said.
“Getting awarded that contract was a dream come true and still hasn’t really sunk in. When I was told, my family stood outside the door, trying to listen to the phone call. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, but I believe I can go further now, hopefully, it’s the start of a long career at Surrey.
Sykes in action for Surrey.
He displayed all the right tools in his arsenal when he strutted out to bat at No.6 for Surrey against Essex in the One Day Cup. The left-hander blasted 87 off 56 balls with five sixes. He showed he was right up to the task, as Surrey won by 89 runs.
“That innings against Essex is still a bit of a blur, to be honest. I’m unsure what happened or how it happened; it just did.
“I think that was the moment when I realised I belonged at this level. I’ve always been a bit of a pessimist, but this was definitely the moment when I felt I belonged.”
In terms of returning to Sydney and perhaps being able to play in Sydney’s top flight. Sykes hopes it isn’t a matter of if but when. And hopefully, it is at North Sydney.
“I absolutely loved my time at Norths. The lads were so welcoming and helpful right from the start. The club had a proper feel about it while remaining very professional in training and matches. I learned to always try to take the positive option.
“I’d love to come back and play in Sydney for sure and would love it to be for Norths again.
“Now I have a contract. Sadly, it’s not quite as easy to pack up and go, but hopefully, when the time is right, round two will be on the cards.”
– Callum Hill.
