Young gun to lead State team

Busselton teenager Meg Thompson will lead the WA country cricket squad in the Australia Country Cricket Championships in Wollongong next month after the announcement of her role as captain.

Thompson said being named as the squad’s captain had come as a surprise but she was excited to be taking on the leadership role.

“I didn’t expect it considering I’m one of the younger players in the team,” she said.

“It will be my first time captaining a State side.

“Managing my personal performance as well as trying to captain and manage other players might be a bit of a challenge.”

However, the 18-year-old said the key to leadership was communication.

“Communication for me will be easy,” she said.

“So I will make sure I give the players what they most desire out of the competition and not restrict them.”

Thompson said she also hoped to perform well throughout the tournament of six Twenty20 games.

“It’s a team sport yet it’s so individual, so I’m going to go in totally clear minded,” she said.

“I obviously want to do the best I can and contribute to team success and secure a few wins.”

Since finishing high school, the young gun said she faced a few tough seasons ahead. “But the more cricket I get to play the better, it’s what I want to be doing,” she said.

“My goal is to get into the Western Fury squad and train with them.

“Hopefully (I can) make my debut in the next few seasons.”