This time last year, Zac McDermott watched from the sidelines as his teammates relished the opportunity to test themselves against their role models.
The Queensland Cricket Academy pace bowler should have been playing in the Academy vs Premier Cricket showcase match but instead, stress fractures in his left leg had McDermott sidelined for a year.
It was a cruel blow for the then-19-year-old - one capable of shaking even the toughest resolve - but McDermott chose to find opportunity in adversity, fine tuning his training habits and learning how to better manage his body.
“The injury gave me the opportunity to get smarter around loading my body, and preparing better before games and training,” McDermott said.
“At its worst, my leg when I had to sit down for long periods of time or even when I was driving around, but it really hurt when I was bowling.”
Twelve months on, McDermott showed why he’s Queensland Bulls selectors’ radars.
Returning to play in the three-day showcase at Bill Albury Oval last weekend, he claimed four wickets, including prized scalps Sam Heazlett and Harry McNeilly, took a catch, and contributed 51 runs across the two innings played.
Though Academy lost by five wickets, McDermott took a lot from the match.
“The wicket was very green to start, and many in our team had never played on something like that before...even some of the experienced players in the other team hadn’t played on a wicket like that.”
“Adaptability was really important, and though we played well in the second innings, the other team was able to adapt more quickly.”
Away from the pitch, McDermott is also preparing for life beyond cricket - the Gold Coast Dolphins quick will graduate from Bond University’s Bachelor of Project Management in February.
Already balancing full-time work at his cricket legend father Craig’s property development company with elite training, McDermott says cricket has provided valuable lessons.
“There’s a few things I’ve taken from cricket into my new job - obviously leadership and communication skills.”
“But I’ve also had to learnt to let go of things…if you make a mistake in either, you have to just be able move past it.”
McDermott will finish the Queensland Premier Cricket season with the Gold Coast Dolphins before chasing an endless summer abroad, heading to England in April to represent Kings Hill Cricket Club in Kent until August.
“It’s been a long time in the making, so I’m very excited that it’s going to happen.”
“I have a lot of friends going over there at the same time which is really exciting…I’m also keen on learning the new conditions and seeing how I can adapt to those.”