In a significant milestone for Indigenous cricket, aspiring paceman Charlie Anderson represented the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, marking his place in cricketing history. Anderson, who hails from the Kamiloroi nation, is one of only six Indigenous players to participate in the PM’s XI since its inception during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies in the 1950s. This year, he became the first Aboriginal cricketer to be selected for the team in consecutive years, joining the ranks of Matthew Bradley, who earned a cap in 2002 and 2004.
“That’s really good – it’s pretty special,” Anderson told National Indigenous Times after the match. He expressed surprise at his unique achievement, stating, “I feel I’m very lucky.” At just 20 years old, Anderson follows in the footsteps of accomplished Aboriginal cricketers such as Scott Boland, D’Arcy Short, and Dan Christian, among others.
Performance Highlights at Manuka Oval
Anderson made an impression during the match against an English XI, where he took 1-51 in 13 overs. The game ended in an eight-wicket loss for the PM’s XI. Despite the defeat, Anderson’s performance stood out, particularly as he had previously captured 2-30 against the touring Indian team last season.
His experience at Manuka Oval was invigorating, with Anderson noting, “It was a good turnout as well, so it was pretty good fun.” The English side was largely composed of players from the England Lions, the reserve squad for the national team. Only three senior players participated, as many opted for practice sessions in Brisbane ahead of the Ashes series. Anderson remained undeterred by the absence of top English batsmen, stating, “The England Lions squad has some extremely talented players. It was still a very talented team to come against.”
Resilience and Future Aspirations
Anderson’s journey has not been without challenges. He previously played a key role in Australia’s under-19 World Cup victory in 2022 but faced a setback due to a stress fracture in his back. He has since focused on rebuilding his bowling strength and aims to make a case for selection in the New South Wales team, either before or after the Christmas break. “I feel like I am in a good spot and the ball is coming out nicely,” he noted.
His approach to recovery has been methodical, allowing him to reassess his bowling action and make necessary adjustments. “I have remodelled my action somewhat, which has added a new repertoire to my bowling,” he explained. Anderson has also noted an increase in his ball speed, aiming to push it further into the 130s.
As he looks to the future, Anderson draws inspiration from fellow Aboriginal cricketer Brendan Doggett, who has secured his place in Australia’s Test XI. “It’s unreal to see, and I have felt like he has been doing well for a long time,” Anderson remarked. He views Doggett’s success as motivation for younger Indigenous players, including himself.
With his recent performances and ongoing development, Charlie Anderson is not just making history but also paving the way for future generations in Australian cricket. His journey reflects resilience, talent, and the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians in the sport.
