Elijah Eales made his first grade debut for Mosman during the 2017/18 season.
A promising all-rounder with a highest score of 82 not out and best figures of 3 for 36 in first grade Elijah is looking forward to the season ahead
Let’s meet Elijah Eales
What year you were born?
1998
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
All-rounder
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
In terms of team success, winning the competition with my school team in year 12 and winning PGs in 2019. In both cases we didn’t have the strongest team on paper but got on so well which led to our success. I’m so lucky to say that I’ve made best mates for life in both cases.
On an individual level it was when I made my first century playing 6th grade for Mosman. My Dad was about 30 not out at the other end and we shared a 100 run partnership. It was something that I probably didn’t appreciate much at the time but looking back on it now it was a pretty special moment to share with him.
At what age did you make your first grade debut?
19
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Jacques Kallis. Statistically I think it’s hard to argue that anyone was a better cricket player than he was. In a game that can give a player so much head noise when they’re trying to get one discipline right, he mastered every aspect – batting, bowling, fielding, leadership. Being a proud Queenslander, Matthew Hayden comes a close second.
Jaques Kallis
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
In a game I’d say Henry Thornton. I played him at Trumper and he was bowling pretty quickly on a dicey wicket. But, everything is faster in the nets so having to face Jake Turner or Greg West at training is definitely up there.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Tom Brooks – spins the ball round corners and arguably the funniest bloke alive. Warne 2.0.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Every time I play out at Parramatta batsmen always seem to have an absolute day out. Luke Dempsey hit 130 off what felt like 40 rocks, I’ve never seen anyone explode like he did that day. The following year Nick Bertus hit an absolutely chanceless 150 not. On both occasions the bowlers certainly weren’t fighting for the ball.
Who are the two players in NSW Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
I’m very lucky to have been involved with Ash Doolan throughout most of my time at Mosman. There’s nothing better than watching Dools getting into a groove and scoring runs from sheer willpower. Most impressively, there is no one who is happier to share in other’s success and that really shows on the field and with all the work he does with the juniors at the club.
Nathan Doyle is the second. For someone who is pretty young, he has an incredible cricket brain which has translated to team success following him everywhere he goes. Similar to what I mentioned about Jacques Kallis, he’s incredible at every aspect of the game.
Ash Doolan
Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Oli Zannino and George Condon. Oli is unbelievably consistent and LOVES a leg side stumping off a medium pacer. Also doesn’t mind a bit of a chirp. George is unbelievably skilful and athletic. It is certainly humbling having him keep up to you with a new ball.
Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?
I played under Bennett Walsh in school cricket. For a schoolboy he had such a calm, mature head on his shoulders. He seemed to get everything right on the field and did everything right off it. Can’t wait for him to come play at Mosman in the future so we can play together again.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Johnny Cash or Loyle Carner, can’t pick between them.
Johnny Cash
Who’s the king of selfies at your club?
There’s definitely a few! Hugo Farquharson and Matt Calder probably lead the way, neither have a hair out of place.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
The best I probably can’t repeat. Dean Crawford is probably the most theatrical bloke I’ve seen on a cricket field. He does some pretty ridiculous stuff at the top of his mark and bowls in a cap which is village. Sam Sykes was known for a few blow ups, called his entire cordon wheelie bins on the field one game because no one could catch. Ryan O’Beirne also loves having a go at people, doesn’t say a funny word in the process though.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
As a kid definitely my Dad! My love for the game was shaped by countless hours of going to the nets, playing backyard cricket and watching Hussey and Clarke tear bowling attacks apart. Since becoming part of the senior club at Mosman, Ash Doolan has been unbelievable for my technical development and headspace as a player. It’s been unreal that our relationship has gone from him being my coach in Green Shield to playing together as teammates.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I look to my friends and family. I’m really lucky that I’ve got some pretty special people around me doing amazing things so looking to them for advice and inspiration isn’t hard to do.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
Bill Gates, Samuel L Jackson and Roger Federer
Bill Gates
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
In pre-covid times anything with my mates. At the moment though that’s obviously not an option. I’ve been really enjoying my cooking lately. I come from two very food orientated backgrounds (Italian and Chinese) so learning my grandpa’s recipes is always a good way to pass time.
What are you studying at University?
I’m currently in my final year at Sydney Uni. Studying a double degree, majoring in commerce and Chinese.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Sorry for the length…
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play for first class cricket?
It would be unbelievable. Growing up I always dreamt about playing cricket for Australia. As a kid I took that many five wicket halls and scored just as many hundreds in the hallway pretending I was playing in the Ashes. In saying that, I have a lot of goals in life, some of which are outside of cricket. In terms of my cricket, I think for the moment I’m very focused on winning a competition at Mosman but if the opportunity ever came I would grab it with both hands.
Join the cricket network to promote your business and expertise. Make it easy for people to search and find the people and services they need through people they know and trust.
Join the network
