Combining Art and Cricket – A One Day Brush with Two Careers

C' is true of Melbourne Stars player Sophie Day, perhaps more than almost anyone else.

At night, day 25, played with the ball in her hand, but due to her job, she is used to having a paintbrush in her hand as a professional artist.

"It's not really getting better," Day said. "I was able to work as a practicing artist, as well as a professional cricketer."

The breakthrough Day's move into cricket only came in 2019, when she spent an English summer with Berkshire in the hope of winning a first contract with Victoria, combining that spell with playing for Henley Cricket Club.

During her time 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 contract with Victoria and I wanted to be in and around it. I just didn't have that gaming experience and it is a comment that was made to me. I was late to the So I asked myself: How am I going to do this once our season is over? How am I going to play more games?" Day said.

"I went there and ended up on 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 little responsibility and sort things out on my own. I think I've grown quite a bit, maybe personally but also as a cricketer.

"The Berkshires were amazing, they gave me the opportunity to come and I played over 50 matches. I was very grateful because I was very new to this sport and I don't think many would have given this opportunity."

It was the beginning of Day's journey to becoming a professional. A few months after leaving England, she found herself with the chance to play at the net in the 2020 T20 World Cup, playing at her beloved Junction Oval to the stars of India and New England. Zealand, as well as future winners Australia.

At the time, Day took the tram to Junction Oval without knowing that months later it would become his professional home for Victoria and Melbourne Stars.

"It was pretty crazy," Day said. "Little opportunities like this that you don't think will lead to anything, but they do.

"I ran I drank for Victoria for a few games and I wasn't under contract at the time, I just wanted to soak it in. The girls were fantastic, allowing me to be with the team. I was probably that annoying person who asked too many questions, but it's a credit to them because they absolutely helped me get to where I am today."