At just 15 years old, Caoimhe Bray has made an unforgettable debut in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for the Sydney Sixers, claiming a wicket and hitting the winning runs to secure victory. Bray, now the youngest player in WBBL history, has drawn praise from her longtime idol and mentor on the field, Ellyse Perry, who called her "a really special kid" after her impressive performance. For Bray, this debut was a dream realized, as she followed in the footsteps of Perry, whom she has admired since childhood.

A star debut

Emerging young cricketer Caoimhe Bray made her debut unforgettable, not only because of her impressive all-round skills but also due to the high praise from her childhood idol, Ellyse Perry. Bray, who played her first WBBL game for the Sydney Sixers, found herself taking on veteran batter Deandra Dottin in her opening over. Though Dottin hit her for a six on the first ball, Bray held her nerve and delivered a perfect yorker to claim the wicket by the end of the over. Later, with 32 runs needed, Bray strode in to hit a boundary off her second ball and ultimately drove the winning runs. Reflecting on the debut, Perry, who handed Bray her cap at the Adelaide Oval, said, “For a 15-year-old to hit a ball over extra cover to win the game is amazing… She’s a really special kid.”

For Bray, the moment held extra significance, as Perry has long been her inspiration. “I don’t think it’s scary or overwhelming being compared to her,” she shared. “I just try to do my best, and it’s super cool that people are even saying it.”

15 YEARS OLD!

Caoimhe Bray's debut wicket in the WBBL is Deandra Dottin 😱 #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/pl8a3ez4hi

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024

Imagine being 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray and Ellyse Perry has just called you a legend!#WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/CJWpb6n5Yz

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024

Balancing two sports, Bray eyes cricket and soccer future

Despite her early cricket success, Bray remains equally passionate about soccer, where she has represented the Junior Matildas. The young allrounder hopes to continue both sports for as long as she can, even as her three-year contract with the Sixers unfolds. Bray is committed to balancing her training and schoolwork, living in Coogee for the duration of the competition, with family visiting regularly. The New South Wales prodigy’s journey began in her local junior club at eight, and she continues to rise, recently making headlines with a standout performance in the Australia Under-19 squad.

Reflecting on her rapid ascent, Bray commented, “It’s come around really quickly… I haven’t been home much either, but I love doing sports.” For now, her focus remains on learning from each opportunity, and with Perry’s encouragement, Bray’s trajectory looks nothing short of inspiring.