Aspiring cricketers and young fans had the chance to meet some of the country's best this week when two Sydney Sixers players made their way to Armidale and Tamworth over the past two days.
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Wicketkeeper-batsman Peter Nevill and up-and-comer Emma Hughes have been travelling through the region as part of NSW Cricket's Country Blitz program and been visiting schools and clubs to promote the sport.
On Wednesday in Armidale, students from Sandon Public School had the chance to see the stars up close and ask them about their cricket careers with a question and answer session on Wednesday.
The duo then ventured over to the Armidale Sportsground for a coaching clinic to launch the local junior season. They met with students in Tamworth on Thursday.
Nevill has played 17 tests for Australia and in every Big Bash season since the competition's inception in 2011-12.
He's participated in plenty of regional tours and praised the talent and enthusiasm of the kids in the bush.
"I have been lucky over the last 10 years; I reckon I have got out to most of the regions now so it is always fantastic to see a different part of the country," he said.
"There is always so much natural talent.
"Country NSW has produced so many of NSW's best players, and Australia's best players, so it is obviously a very strong breeding ground for cricket talent."
Nevill also knows how important it is for kids in the country to see their idols up close.
"Hopefully they get a kick out of it, that is the point," he said.
"The theory is you see us playing on TV and hopefully watching the Sixers play and to put a face in the flesh to who they see on TV and interact and play a bit of cricket.
"Hopefully it is good for them and it is great for us to see the enthusiasm of kids at grass roots level and encourage as many of them to take up the game and play as much as they can."