A young Rockingham-Mandurah cricketer has earned his first state contract with Western Australia.
Albert Esterhuysen made a strong impression last season for the Mariners, playing 14 matches and taking 28 wickets.
The 20-year-old tall right-arm quick also made his mark on the national stage, representing WA in the Under 19 National Championships in Adelaide.
The South African-born paceman enjoyed a stellar campaign, taking eight wickets.
Esterhuysen’s potential didn’t go unnoticed and was rewarded with a call-up to Western Australia’s Second XI.
He featured in two Toyota Second XI matches, a significant step in the pathway toward first-class cricket.
Esterhuysen made his presence felt in the Perth Scorchers Academy’s success in the Top End Series in Darwin.
His standout performance came against Bangladesh A, where he took 2-21 off four overs.
Such was the impact he made in the Top End T20 campaign, Esterhuysen was chosen in WA’s 14-man squad for the first two One-Day Cup matches of season 2025-26.
Esterhuysen said he models himself off retired South African great Morne Morkel.
“Growing up in South Africa, it was definitely Morne Morkel,” Estherhuysen said.
“He was a tall fast bowler who would hit the deck hard.
“I was a tall as a youngster and basing my game off him gave me a sense of where I want to take my cricket.
“The WACA Ground is known for its pace and steep bounce and it’s an awesome opportunity to get out there as your home ground.”
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