Pocket Profile: Harry Walker - University of Queensland Cricket Club

University of Queensland Cricket Club | September 22, 2023

Harry Walker follows a long line of outstanding University wicket keeping batters. Lew Cooper, Wade Seccombe and Chris Hartley all played first class cricket for Queensland.

Harry has come through the Queensland under age teams and represented Queensland Under 19s at the National Championships in 2019/20.

Here’s our quick pocket profile with Harry.

What year were you born?

2001

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

I’m wicket keeper - batter.

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I'm extremely grateful that I get to go to training and play games with my best mates.

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

Probably winning the 2nd grade one-day comp after heading into a super over against Wests.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

Past Uni keeper Mitchell Fry is someone I've looked up to and admired for a long time. His glovework and batting was always great to watch and a true club man.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

Played against a couple of quick bowlers but Will Prestwidge in full flight is good pace.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Plenty of talented spinners going around now, Jack Sinfield is a great spinner and has taken a lot of wickets against us lately.

Who is the best spinner you’ve kept wicket to?

Jano Cotzee is an extremely talented spinner that generates some great bounce, drift and turn which was fun to keep to. 

What’s been you’re favourite dismissal as a wicket keeper so far. The dismissal that makes you smile when you reflect.

A recent diving catch against souths in the one-day comp was a nice one that stuck.

FDC Construction is a proud sponsor or university of Queensland Cricket Club

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

Josh Brown's 140 off 60 in a T20 game was some pretty unreal ball striking and can't go past the 400 run unbeaten opening stand between Angus Lovell and Bryce Street.

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

Mitchell Fry and Chris Hartley were outstanding wicket keepers and were a pleasure to train under. Their attention to detail and skills were outstanding and something I strive for.

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

Angus Lovell seems to keep getting better each year and is someone who I love watching bat, starting with back-to-back centuries in the one day comp. Max Clayton's skills are second to none however, his work ethic and commitment at training is something I admire.

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

Composure and Process

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

Coldplay would be great viewing.

Who’s the king of selfies at your club?

Will Crook and Matt Willans love a selfie and take any opportunity to get their rigs out.

Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

Sunshine coast is hard to go past, great surf and beaches.

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

Peter Clarke has definitely been the biggest influence on my career, role modelling how everyone should carry themselves on and off the field. His professionalism and care for each and every one of his players is admirable. He's a great coach and even better friend.

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

I'm lucky that I don't have to look too far for inspiration during challenging times as I'm surrounded by great blokes at the club that are always willing to throw an arm around you.

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

I would love to meet Tiger Woods, Ricky Ponting and Michael Jordan. Listening to their stories from when they were in their prime would be pretty special.

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

Love to play a round of golf with my mates although it's not very relaxing with the poor golf and abuse.

If working, what do you do and name of business (we will give them a plug), if at Uni what are your studying/

I am a year 6 teacher at Graceville State School. Great school and great students.

Do you have a favourite quote?

Probably from our opening bowler after he was asked to bowl into the wind on the weekend, his response was - "it would be like buying a ferrari and driving it in a school zone" Callum Henderson

What are your goals for the 2023/24 season?

Would love to win back the club championships and to enjoy my cricket.

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?

Playing first class cricket would obviously mean a lot to me and a privilege to do. It would also be a nice reward for the people around me who have helped along the way.