Young Wellingtonian Joe Austin-Smellie has just been named as a contracted player for the Wellington Firebirds and he is looking forward to what the future will bring.
Twenty year old Austin-Smellie first burst onto the First Class scene during the 2009/10 season scoring 97 on debut. He said he’s thrilled about becoming a contracted player for the Wellington Firebirds. “I’m pretty wrapped,” he told www.blackcaps.co.nz after being named in the first round of contracted players.
The wicketkeeper-batsman was handed a contract at the expense of well known Wellington keeper Chris Nevin. “He’s been playing First-Class cricket for 15 years, so I’ve definitely got some big shoes to fill,” Austin-Smellie said. “I’ve got to see this contract as an opportunity to better myself.”
The youngster mastered his cricketing talents at Wellington College – a predominant force in cricket. He scored 212* for the side against Wanganui Collegiate, the highest scored placed by a Wellington College pupil in a “traditional fixture”. He’s also been heavily affiliated with North City Cricket Club.
Austin-Smellie also represented both Wellington and New Zealand at Under 19 level however injury ruled him out of the last two national Under 19 tournaments.
In his First-Class debut against the Northern Knights, he came agonisingly close to a century on debut. Alas it wasn’t to be, however his 97 did help the Firebirds secure victory over their Northern counterparts.
Contracts take effect from October first and Austin-Smellie is looking forward to getting into the mix with the Firebirds. “I look up to the likes of Grant Elliott and Jeetan Patel,” he said. “It’s very special to be playing for Wellington. It’s a dream come true because I’m pretty young, but I’m excited and I’m going to get right into it.
“I want to do everything I can to help Wellington win.”
Even though he is excited about the coming season with the Firebirds, the right-hand batsman has high hopes for his career. “I want to play Test cricket for New Zealand one day. That’s the ultimate dream and getting a Firebirds contract is a stepping stone to working towards that.”
It also seems however, that cricket isn’t his only talent. The word is Austin-Smellie is quite the pro on the guitar, so there could be some music floating from the Firebirds’ changing room this season. “Yeah I get into it a bit!” he laughed. “I enjoy playing all kinds of music, especially Jack Johnson and Oasis.”
