Due to a leg injury, O’Shannessy swapped bowling for batting in round three and four of the Southern Zone competition at Nowra and Bomaderry. The cricketer played as a part of the Southern Highlands under 17s team.

Teams in the competition included the Highlands, Goulburn, the Shoalhaven, ACT, the Far South Coast and the South Coast. 

The young cricketer performed well on the field, and was unbeated on 211 off 76 balls in round three.

This was almost three runs per ball across the innings.

This is the highest Twenty20 score by anybody this year in Australia.

It is also the highest junior one-day score.

O’Shannessy said it felt surreal to get the result that he did.

“I got 50 fairly quickly, then I went ballistic,” he said.

“I think it [batting] is more for the enjoyment of it. I definitely want to get back to bowling.

“I learnt how to just play to my natural instincts and not be afraid [in the competition].” Despite a good result, O’Shannessy said he wanted to improve his batting and stance through training.

“I’m working on it seven days a week for at least half an hour,” he said.

It has been a big year for the young cricketer.

O’Shannessy has established himself as a leading wicket taker among the Australian under 17s team. He has also earned his place on the Australian Rookie Squad, taken a hat-trick and performed well as the youngest player on the Australian side.

O’Shannessy said the opportunity to be in the Australian sides and work with his coaches was an invaluable experience.

“I’m loving playing with the team,” he said.

“They’ve been a great help. I can’t go far without them.”

O’Shannessy’s coaches include Australian coach Ryan Harris, under 17s coach Clark Cameron and his private coach Neil D’Costa.

He has also honed his skills with the Bowral Blues Cricket Club. O’Shannessy will take to the field again in round five of the competition, which will take place at Bradman Oval on Saturday.