IT’S a dream tour for Illawarra teenage talent Matt Calder and Tane Nunn.
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But it’s what next month’s tour of England could lead too which provides the biggest run-scoring incentive.
Calder and Nunn are included in the NSW Combined High Schools squad of 15, playing 10 matches in 12 days. Having made an impact in the Sydney grade competition last season, both Nunn and Calder will also be watched by English County Academy scouts.
Calder scored a half-century in second grade for Randwick-Petersham, putting him firmly on the radar to push into the first XI in the prestigious Sydney competition.
While Randwick are harnessing his potential at the crease, Calder has bowled leg spin through his junior career and hoping to find a few turning English wickets.
Nunn also pushed his way into the second XI for former Test captain Michael Clarke’s club Western Suburbs. Now they are both hoping to pile on the runs in English conditions.
“It’s a great opportunity, I’m really looking forward to it,” Calder said. “I’ve just been focusing on my batting with Randwick, so I’m definitely keen to get a few overs as well.
“It will be a very different game over there, adapting to the conditions will be a big challenge.
“I’d love to play first grade in Sydney, I really enjoyed playing up there last season, so hopefully I can develop my game further in England.”
As well as the packed playing schedule, the NSW CHS squad will also be in the stands to watch a County match at Trent Bridge and tour the famous Lord’s ground in London.
A successful English tour could even open the door to returning to the UK to play in a County Academy squad.
Calder made 52 in Randwick’s second grade team, as part of a 92-run fourth wicket partnership. He and Nunn – who was also among the runs in Sydney with a 67 his highest score in third grade for Wests – have played Illawarra representative cricket together during the junior grades.
It’s Nunn’s second year in the NSW CHS squad and his father Darren will coach the team.
They leave for England next week.