BOWRAL'S Lauren Cheatle faced an unexpected challenge on the cricket field recently.
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Cheatle, 16, was in the United Arab Emirates for her tour with the Commonwealth Bank Australian Shooting Stars.
The side was scheduled to play its first game in Dubai against the England Women's Academy.
However, play was abandoned due to a sandstorm.
The bizarre weather conditions meant the cricketers were unable to take to the field.
Cheatle said it was an interesting experience for the cricket team.
"It was really cool, I liked it," she said.
"It wasn't good from a cricketing point of view, but it was a really good experience."
Cheatle was selected for her second successive overseas tour with the Shooting Stars.
The squad is the equivalent of an Australia A cricket side (second tier).
It was a successful trip for the Aussies, recording a 2-1 series win against the England Women's Academy.
Cheatle was given limited opportunities during the tour.
Highlights included taking 1/27 off five overs in game three.
Australia won that one-day international contest by two wickets.
Cheatle said she was happy with performances on the tour.
"I picked up a couple of wickets over there but I didn't get a chance to bat," she said.
"It was a good opportunity to learn from my coaches, particularly Cathryn Fitzpatrick who used to play for Australia."
Cheatle said she had learnt a lot from her time in the United Arab Emirates.
"It is such a different culture... it was really good," she said.
2015 has already proved to be a successful one for Cheatle.
In January, Cheatle was selected with the Shooting Stars to tour Sri Lanka.
Australia won the series 3-1.
Cheatle has also been recognised for her talent by the Highlands sporting community.
Last month, Cheatle was named junior champion at the 2014 Berrima District Sports Awards ceremony.