The Basil Sellers Scholarship Program

Former Cricket NSW Director, Basil Sellers AM, continued his long-term generous philanthropic contribution to NSW cricket in 2021/22, with 12 Scholarships awarded to the state’s most prodigious young cricketers under 19 years of age.

Mr Sellers’ support, through the Cricket NSW Foundation, aims to assist Scholars and their families with education, training, employment and social skills, particularly those rural and regional cricketers who may need to adjust to a city lifestyle. Through the ongoing and generous support of Kookaburra Sport, each scholar is also offered a two-year cricket equipment sponsorship. This group of scholars took the total number inducted since 2006/07 to 144.

2021/22 Basil Sellers Scholarship Holders

Callee Black Allrounder Western Aidan Cahill Allrounder Newcastle/Northern District Jessica Davidson* Allrounder Central Northern Joel Davies Allrounder Manly Warringah Liam Doddrell Fast bowler Penrith Ebony Hoskin Fast bowler Riverina Lauren Kua Allrounder Gordon Shivani Mehta Allrounder Manly Warringah Corey Miller Batter Northern District William Salzmann Allrounder Campbelltown Camden Lachlan Shaw Wicketkeeper/ Batter Northern District Nicholas Toohey Fast bowler Central Coast

*Second Basil Sellers Scholarship

Liam Doddrell, Will Salzmann and Lachlan Shaw (NSW Blues) and Aidan Cahill (South Australia) have all since gained State rookie contracts for the 2022/23 season, while Ebony Hoskin spent several months training with the NSW Breakers. Jess Davidson was part of the Sydney Thunder squad during WBBL|07. Each of the 12 scholars is a product of the strong Cricket NSW Pathway system, representing either NSW Metropolitan or ACT/ NSW Country at various Underage National Championships. The program has an enviable record of producing high class international players, with 20 scholars going on to represent Australia, including Pat Cummins, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry and Steve Smith.

Scholars to have represented Australia:

• Sean Abbott • Stella Campbell • Nicola Carey • Lauren Cheatle • Patrick Cummins • Hannah Darlington • Ashleigh Gardner • Josh Hazlewood • Alyssa Healy • Phillip Hughes • Usman Khawaja • Nic Maddinson • Erin Osborne • Kurtis Patterson • Ellyse Perry • Gurinder Sandhu • Steven Smith • Naomi Stalenberg • Mitchell Starc • Adam Zampa In recent years, the Basil Sellers Scholarship Program has grown its focus towards the holistic development of the players, both on and off the field. This year’s cohort of scholars weren’t able to come together in person due to covid restrictions so, for the second season in a row, the induction evening was forced to be held online. Scholars joined in virtually from their homes with parents and guests watching on as this year’s group were introduced to Basil Sellers AM himself. Due to the ongoing commitments of the scholars during the cricket season, the off-field development was held off until we moved into our new home at Cricket Central. In early July the scholars were invited to the new home of Cricket in NSW for a leadership development course delivered by Burn Bright, a not-for-profit who exist to help Australia’s young people flourish and understand that they can make a difference in the world. This session was followed by a tour of the new world-class facility and function attended by Basil Sellers AM, former scholar recipients, the scholars’ parents/caregivers, CNSW Board members and staff.

JOEL DAVIES Allrounder

LAUREN KUA Allrounder