Rising WA fast bowler Bryce Jackson heads home to Albany to promote the game with Perth Scorchers roadshow

Young and passionate Great Southern cricketers met hometown hero and emerging WA quick Bryce Jackson as part of a Perth Scorchers Regional Roadshow last week.

Fresh off snaring WA’s best-ever one-day bowling figures in just his second match for the State in September, the 24-year-old was a star attraction in his hometown at the Indoor Sports Centre event on Thursday.

About 100 kids participated in novelty cricket games and joined in with the Scorchers’ inflatable cricket net while Jackson helped the eager youngsters improve their skills and run the activities.

Jackson said he relished the opportunity to return to the Great Southern and hoped to inspire the young cricketers in the region through the Play Cricket message.

“I try to (come back down) as much as I can and always put my hand up for these appearances because I like to come back and give back to community much as I can,” he said.

“I know back in the day, we didn’t have an indoor centre like this, so any inspiration I can give to the kids is awesome.

“I think it’s hugely important (to try to inspire the kids).

“When I was coming through, I didn’t realise there was a pathway to get to Perth cricket, I didn’t even know anyone in the State team until I actually went to Perth and played.

“Being that inspiration . . . is huge for anyone to know that they can do it.”

Jackson made a shock appearance at Albany’s premier cricket tournament, the Southern Smash, last year and declared he would jump at the chance to play again if it aligns with his State commitments.

“I’d like to play Big Bash but I would also like to play the Southern Smash, knowing it’s in my hometown,” Jackson said.

“I always have fun coming down here but . . . there’s plenty of time to go and a lot can happen in the next couple of months.

“I might, but we’ll wait and see.”

The Perth Scorchers bus travelled to Kojonup and Denmark as part of the trip to encourage junior players across the region to sign up for a summer of cricket.

Junior registrations in the Albany and Districts Cricket Competition will remain open for the duration of the season.