Little more than two weeks after they were running the drinks for the Australian Women’s team at Manuka Oval,
ACT Meteors young guns Amy Hunter and Grace Lyons have earned Australian colours of their own, with the pair named in the Australian squad for the multi-format Under-19 series in Sri Lanka in late March and early April. 

Hunter was named in the Team of the Tournament after the Under-19s Female National Championships played in Brisbane in December, and says the call-up was unexpected. 

“I got the call last Thursday, and there were a few tears, I definitely cried,” Hunter said. 

Hunter says the tears of joy were shared with her parents in North Queensland, as the celebrated the next step on her cricket journey since moving to Canberra to play with the Meteors this summer. 

“It definitely feels like all the hard work I’ve put in has been worth it, but it also feels like it’s the start of hopefully so much more to come.” 

Being named alongside Meteors teammate Lyons is just as exciting, with the tour squad comprising 15 players from all six states and the ACT. 

“It's great to have Gracie in the squad with me, I’m really excited to go away with her and experience that together,” Hunter said. 

“I’ve never been overseas, so that experience is what I’m excited for this year, as well as playing cricket in another country. I can’t wait.” 

Hunter and Lyons, both 18, are fresh faces amongst the Meteors squad this season and have both played key roles for the team across the season.  

In her rookie WNCL season, Hunter has had the opportunity to take the new ball at points of the season, notably taking the scalp of destructive South African international Lizelle Lee when the Meteors hosted Tasmania. 

Lyons, also in her rookie season, has taken to the difficult gig of opening the batting with open arms, regularly making starts and a top score of 33 for the season. She has also been proven to be a safe set of hands behind the stumps with four catches and one stumping for the season.