Born on January 15, 2002, Will Prestwidge is a promising Australian cricketer who is making a name for himself as a bowler. Hailing from Queensland, he has shown great potential in the cricketing world.
A Cricketing Family
The Prestwidge family has a rich cricketing heritage, with several members making their mark in Australian cricket. Will’s father, Scott Prestwidge, played domestic cricket for the Queensland Bulls, featuring in three first-class matches and more than fifty List A games between 1991 and 2001.
Will’s brother, Jack Prestwidge, followed in his father’s footsteps. He made his List A cricket debut for Queensland in September 2018 and soon ventured into the high-paced action of the Big Bash League (BBL). Jack made his Twenty20 debut for the Brisbane Heat during the 2018–19 season and has also played for the Melbourne Renegades.
Not to be outdone, Will’s sister, Georgia Prestwidge, has made a name for herself in women’s cricket. She represents the Queensland Fire in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) and dons the Brisbane Heat jersey in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Her debut in the WNCL dates back to October 2014.
Early Cricketing Endeavors
Will Prestwidge’s cricketing journey began with the right guidance and inspiration from his cricketing family. Under their influence, he developed a deep passion for the sport and decided to pursue a career in cricket.
His initial breakthrough came in December 2019 when he was selected to play for the Ponting XII team in a twenty-over match against the Gilchrist XII team. This match served as a prelude to the 2019–20 Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Melbourne Stars at the Metricon Stadium in the Gold Coast.
Joining the Big League
As a testament to his skill and dedication, Will Prestwidge secured a spot with the Brisbane Heat ahead of the 2021–22 Big Bash League season. This was a significant milestone in his career, and it marked his entry into the fiercely competitive world of T20 cricket.
Prestwidge’s inclusion in the Brisbane Heat squad came as an injury replacement for fellow fast-bowler Matt Willans, who had to withdraw from the tournament due to shoulder reconstruction surgery. The young bowler’s selection was a testament to his potential and the confidence the team had in his abilities.
But his journey in the 2021–22 Big Bash League was not without its challenges. The tournament was significantly impacted by multiple cases of COVID-19 reported across several participating teams. The Brisbane Heat, in particular, was severely affected. With numerous players ruled out due to COVID, the team had to assemble a new squad for a match. This situation led to a unique opportunity for Prestwidge and other emerging players to make their debut in the Big Bash League.
In that match, Will Prestwidge made a promising start. Although the Heat’s innings saw him finish not out with just two runs to his name, he had the opportunity to display his bowling skills. His dedication paid off, and he took his first wicket in the following match against the Hobart Hurricanes, finishing with figures of 2/37.
Embracing List A Cricket
Will Prestwidge’s cricketing journey continued to progress as he made his List A debut on February 23, 2022, for Queensland in the 2021–22 Marsh One-Day Cup. This was another crucial milestone for the young bowler as he ventured into the realm of domestic one-day cricket.
As Will Prestwidge continues to hone his skills and grow in the world of cricket, he represents a bright prospect in Australian cricket’s future. With his family’s cricketing legacy to inspire him and his own talent to guide him, there’s no doubt that this young bowler is one to watch. His story is a testament to the rich cricketing tradition in Australia and the boundless opportunities that the sport offers to aspiring talents.
