Many cricket lovers see the sport as one of art’s truest forms.
That is true for Melbourne Stars spin bowler Sophie Day perhaps more than it is for almost anyone else.
By night, Day, 25, has starred with the ball in hand, but by trade she is used to having a paintbrush in hand as a professional artist.
“It doesn’t really get much better,” said Day. “I’ve been able to work as a practising artist, as well as be a professional cricketer.”
Day’s breakthrough in cricket did not come until 2019, when she spent an English summer with Berkshire in the hope of winning a first contract with Victoria, pairing that spell with playing for Henley Cricket Club.
While there, she played as much as possible. By chance, she found herself in the same team as England captain Heather Knight, 2017 World Cup winner Anya Shrubsole, and current England star Lauren Bell.
“I really wanted a Victoria contract and I wanted to be in and around it. I just didn’t have that game experience and it was a comment that was made to me. I was late to the game. So I thought, how am I going to do this when our season is finished? How am I going to play more games?” Day said.
“I went over there and I ended up in the same team as the England captain; it doesn’t get much better than that.
“I was very nervous, but I also had to take a bit of responsibility and work things out for myself. I think I grew up a fair bit, maybe personally but also as a cricketer.
“Berkshire were incredible, they gave me an opportunity to come over and I played 50+ games. I was very grateful because I was very new to the sport and I don’t think many would’ve given that opportunity.”
It was the start of Day’s journey to going professional. A few months after leaving England, she found herself given the chance to be a net bowler at the 2020 T20 World Cup, bowling at her beloved Junction Oval to the stars of India and New Zealand, as well as eventual winners Australia.
Back then, Day would get the tram to Junction Oval unaware that months later, it would become her professional home for Victoria and Melbourne Stars.
“It was pretty crazy,” explained Day. “Little opportunities like that which you don’t think will eventuate into anything but they do.
“I ran drinks for Victoria for a fair few games and wasn’t on contract then, I just wanted to soak it in. The girls were fantastic, letting me be around the squad. I was probably that annoying person asking too many questions, but it’s a real credit to them, because they’ve absolutely helped me get to where I am today.”