Callan Kean First Grade Cap number 240 - Penrith Cricket Club

Penrith Cricket Club | April 09, 2025

Callan Kean is a left hand opening batter and Penrith Cricket Club’s first grade player number 240.

Callan made his first grade debut during the 2023-24 NSW Premier Cricket season.

Let's find out more about Callan’s journey in the game so far.

What year were you born?

2004

Tell us about your cricket journey. Where did you start junior cricket and the clubs you’ve played for in senior cricket

I started out at the age of five for Glenmore Park Redbacks until under 16’s, also playing DCA cricket from under 13’s. I have since transitioned through the grade system all the way from colts to 1st grade.

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

I am just your typical opening batsman who likes to bat long, and I would probably only bowl if lids shared his gastro.

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I love winning with my best mates every week more than anything. I have played in some really fun teams the past three years with some of my best mates, which is also enjoyable when you are on the winning side a good amount of the time.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

My most memorable moment as a team would definitely be 2nd Grades win against NDs at Asquith last year, defending only 140 and winning by four runs in a must win game, that change room was electric. Shout out to Chris de Kretser’s wrongun, thing

is still turning.

For myself individually, it would be my 1’s debut last season against Sydney Uni, playing with so many players I looked up to, and being able to share the field with them was a surreal experience.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

Kumar Sangakkara or Tim Paine.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

At the time Oliver Patterson is the fastest I have faced in a game, but more recently Tom Pinson or Liam Hatcher.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Bertie Foreman, and I think a lot of boys would agree with me on that. Not far behind would be Devlin Malone.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

A few come to mind, but Ryan Gibson’s 159 against Randy Petes this year was crazy good, was genuinely playing on a different pitch. Also, a pom named Vansh Jani for St George last year knocked us out of 2’s finals with 150 off about 100 balls, and I am still getting flashbacks.

Who is the best wicketkeeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?

The best gloves I have played with is definitely between Clayton Telfer and Tyran Liddiard, both great competitors and glove men.

Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

In terms of skills I would like to have, I wouldn’t mind a Micheal Collins walk down at the bowler or an arm like Mark Gardner. For spirit I would say Brock Balgowan and Taran Finemore, two blokes that compete right until the end.

What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?

I love when a captain backs his players visually, even if its going up to a bowler mid over to discuss a plan. Another attribute would be a player that leads from the front with performance and actions.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

Taylor Swift or Morgan Wallen.

Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

London by far.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

The most important are my Dad and Pop having been there every step of the way, and coming to more games than not no matter the level of cricket. There has been some mentors in my early grade career such as Brett Newman and Brendon Vella, and people who I have recently learnt a lot from such as Nick Adams, Ryan Gibson, Tyran Liddiard and Micheal Collins.

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

Just keep remembering why you play the game, and belief that you’ve worked hard enough to get rewards.

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?

Wayne Rooney, Jordan Spieth and Ben Shelton.

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

Definitely head to the pub to watch the footy and have a punt, in which not many bets are successful.

Do you have a favourite quote?

I have two:

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

“You can’t kill a man if he doesn’t have hope.” – Max Homa

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