Baggy green a big honour for bowler

South West cricketer Jonathan Flower has packed his bags and headed to Brisbane, where he will represent Australia at the INAS Global Games.

The event, which will involve more than 1000 athletes, caters for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Prior to leaving WA, Flower received his baggy green cap from Geoff “Swampy” Marsh, alongside his teammate Boyd Duffield.

A man who is passionate about his cricket, Flower believes the camaraderie on and off the field is a major reason he relishes every opportunity given to him.

But being informed about his first ever Australian cap in April will take some beating.

“When I got the call from our national coach I wanted to cry,” Flower said. “And I have not looked back since.

Growing up in Gelorup, the reliable opening bowler was spoilt for choice in terms of role models throughout club cricket.

But there was one who stood head and shoulders above all of them for Flower – former Australian captain Steve Waugh.

Fortune smiled fondly on the talented bowler, who got to meet the former great after playing indoor cricket for WA.

And much like Waugh’s tendency to maximise his time at the crease, Flower likes to do the same with his bowling.

“I loved Steve Waugh because as a batsman, he just went for everything,” Flower said.

“It is a bit like that for me. When you are bowling, you are doing something productive and it is also a bit of a challenge as well.”

For Flower’s mother Jane, her son’s national team selection has been a dream come true, after invaluable support from his teammates at the Dardanup Cricket Club.

“Jonathan has been very lucky though,” Mrs Flower said.

“Because he has been included in the Dardanup cricket team from day one. They have taken him away to country week.

“They have helped him an awful lot and he has been accepted in the team as just one of the players.”

Mrs Flower commended both the WACA and Cricket Australia for their efforts to ensure cricket becomes a genuine “sport for all”, along with those who have helped her son reach the highest of heights.

Outside of cricket, Flower enjoys woodturning, along with watching motorsport when time permits.