Chadd Sayers

Like scores of other Australians, Chadd Sayers spent his childhood playing backyard cricket and decided to take up grade cricket to test his talents. Having grown up in an era of well-nigh invincible Australian fast bowlers, Sayers grew up trying to emulate them but ended up going through injuries in his teens. Stress fractures on his back hindered his bowling talent, and he had to make do with batting for a large part of his initial cricketing days.

It was his never-say-die obstinate attitude that pushed him to pursue fast bowling. In retrospect, what might seem like a brave decision, could easily have been blatant stupidity. However, as fate would have it, Sayers pushed himself enough to become the highest wicket-taker in South Australian grade cricket in the 2006-07 season, falling agonizingly short of winning the Bradman Trophy that year. He continued to do well over the next two years, but mysteriously failed to earn himself a state contract. Sayers persevered and finally won himself the Bradman medal in the 2010-11 season, picking up 65 wickets at a staggering average of 8.63. Chadd Sayers had pretty much broken down the Shield selectors' door -- he had been selected to play in the Sheffield Shield.