Superstar Prodigy Makes Cricketing History

Australian-Japanese prodigy Ayaka Kato-Stafford has created cricket history.

The 15-year-old all-rounder made her international debut playing for Japan, a cricketing minnow and still only an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council. But the dual national with a career batting average of 32.67 and bowling average of a miserly 14.25 has been snapped up by Australia, cricket’s most powerful nation, to play for its powerful under-19 team.

Her phenomenal achievement has been lauded by the Japan Cricket Association. Few Japan Australia developments have given me the pleasure that Kato-Stafford’s elevation to the top grade under-age competition. Here’s hoping she keeps up the great progress, promoting cricket in Japan and Japanese cricket in Australia.

Ayaka Kato-Stafford Creates History with Australia U19 Selection After Representing Japan

日本クリケット代表から豪代表へ、加藤 スタッフォード彩花選手

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