The athletic youngster, who doesn't appear fazed one jot about suggestions she's some sort of new version of her heroine Ellyse Perry, looked unconcerned by all the hype as she gave a near-perfect lift-off to Australia's Under-19 T20 World Cup bid in Malaysia on Saturday.
The young Newcastle allrounder took 3-1 in 3.2 overs - with all three of her victims clean bowled - and pulled off an exceptional diving catch as Australia pulverised Scotland by nine wickets in their opening match in Bangi.
A dream debut for 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray at the — ICC (@ICC) #U19WorldCup 💫Watch 📺 https://t.co/LJjPq0LpY2 pic.twitter.com/Gj8aFGV3QzJanuary 18, 2025
Her exploits, almost inevitably, had her taking the player-of-the-match honours, with Bray, who became the youngest ever WBBL player just a month after her 15th birthday when starring alongside a hugely impressed Perry for the Sydney Sixers, evidently loving every minute of it.
"It was pretty crazy, I wasn't expecting that to happen," she said of her display, as she helped skittle Scotland for just 48 in 15.1 overs.
Her batting prowess then wasn't even required as Australia chased down the target in 6.4 overs, with opener Katy Pelle unbeaten on 29 off 18 balls.
"It is an awesome experience. Getting out there, being able to sing the national anthem was really emotional and a really enjoyable experience,'' Bray said.
"I wasn't expecting it to go that well, but it was a 'feel good, play good' kind of a day and I just ended up hitting the stumps, so I will take it!
"Today was almost literally perfect for the team. I think when we do that against an even stronger side in hopefully a semi or a final, we'll hopefully almost definitely be winning it, and we'll try to get that gold."
A recap of Australia's winning start to their — ICC (@ICC) #U19WorldCup campaign 🎥 ⬇ https://t.co/12Tly8S2RS pic.twitter.com/1nYwdFcN4XJanuary 18, 2025
Australia fell short in the inaugural event in 2023 in South Africa, pipped by England in the semi-finals, but their chances seem stronger this time, led by their 19-year-old captain, Adelaide Strikers' quick Eleanor Larosa, who kicked off with an impressive 3-7 off three overs.
"We have just got to keep our heads down and don't get too cocky and take it step by step," shrugged the grounded Bray, who, like Perry in her younger days, has been combining her cricketing prowess with impressive exploits on the soccer pitch.
"I think a lot of people always said 'Aah, Ellyse Perry' to me because I play soccer and cricket.
"It is definitely coming up a lot more now, and being able to play with her is even cooler.
"The fact that she is not a cocky player at all, and is a really amazing person is what makes her the best person not just as a cricketer, and her humility."
Australia next play on Monday against Bangladesh, who also won their first game in Malaysia. They beat the Aussies in the 2023 World Cup opening match.
