Michael William Edwards, born on 23rd December 1994, is an Australian cricketer known for his towering presence on the field. He is a key player for New South Wales in both the JLT Cup and Sheffield Shield competitions. When not representing the Blues, he showcases his talent with the Manly Warringah District Cricket Club in Sydney Grade Cricket. Edwards’ cricketing journey is as unique as his appearance, making him a standout character in Australian cricket.
Rise to Cult Hero Status
Edwards made his first mark in the cricketing world during the fifth day of the third test between Australia and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2017. His striking physical attributes, standing tall at 198 cm and sporting long blond hair, immediately caught the crowd’s attention. They embraced him as a new cult hero, cheering for him every time he took to the field. Edwards quickly became a sensation on social media, celebrated for his memorable cameo appearance.
A Steady Climb in Domestic Cricket
Edwards’ journey in domestic cricket started with New South Wales when he received a rookie contract offer in 2015. However, his career faced an early setback as he was sidelined during the 2015–16 season due to multiple stress fractures. Despite this adversity, he persevered, setting his sights on a strong comeback.
The 2017–18 season marked a turning point for Edwards. He received another rookie contract for the domestic season, and he was included in the squad for the 2017–18 JLT One-Day Cup. Edwards made his List A cricket debut for New South Wales on 29th September 2017, playing against Western Australia in a thrilling 50-over match in Perth. In his second match against Tasmania, he delivered a breakout performance, taking 4 wickets for 31 runs, which played a crucial role in New South Wales securing a 102-run win. He participated in four matches during the tournament and claimed a total of 5 wickets.
Furthermore, Edwards made his Twenty20 debut for the Sydney Sixers in the 2017–18 Big Bash League season, extending his presence to one of Australia’s premier T20 competitions.
The Edwards family made history when Michael’s brother Jack Edwards made his debut for New South Wales in September 2018. They became the first brothers to represent New South Wales since the Waugh twins in 2004.
A New Chapter with Yorkshire
In February 2023, Michael Edwards embarked on an exciting new chapter in his cricketing journey. He joined Yorkshire on an 18-month contract, and notably, he qualified as a local player due to his possession of a British passport. This move expanded his horizons and allowed him to explore new opportunities in the world of cricket.
Michael William Edwards, with his distinctive appearance and unwavering determination, continues to leave his mark on Australian and international cricket. His journey is a testament to resilience and a passion for the game, and his future endeavors with Yorkshire promise new exciting chapters in his cricketing career.
