Young Wellington Firebirds wicketkeeper Joe Austin-Smellie came agonisingly close to scoring his maiden First Class ton on debut, with 97 runs in the second innings against the Northern Knights in last week’s third round Plunket Shield match.
The 20 year old has mixed emotions about his debut for the Wellington side. “I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t get 100, but I’m glad to be playing for the Firebirds.”
Austin-Smellie has been part of the Wellington Under 19 team for a number of years and also represented New Zealand at age group level. Although injury ruled him out of the last two national under 19 tournaments, he is now thankful to be back in the fray as part of the Wellington first class team. “This is the icing on the cake. I’ve worked really hard and now I’m being rewarded,” he said.
The former Wellington College student came into bat with Wellington precariously placed at 75 for 6 and still only 56 runs ahead of the Northern Knights. The debutant shared a 128-run, seventh wicket partnership with Luke Woodcock and then added a further 64 runs with Jeetan Patel (31).
Austin-Smellie was the last batsman out for 97, the second time this season a Wellington batsman has fallen tantalisingly short of a ton on First-Class debut after Cameron Merchant made 99 in the season opener against Canterbury.
Hindsight shows the importance of the big knock by Austin-Smellie, as Wellington went on to complete a tight 38-run win over the Northern Knights.
Information on Joe
- The 20 year old is a former Wellington College student
- He was born in Dunedin and moved to Wellington when he was five
- His secret talent is being about to play the guitar. He loves to jam to Jack Johnston
- In his spare time he enjoys spending time with friends and family and likes to head down to the beach in the summer
- His goal for this season is to continue contributing to the Wellington Firebirds in a positive way.
