Joshua Lalor: The Reluctant Fast Bowler!

Dear Luke + Ben

Josh Lalor is one of only a handful of Indigenous cricketers to have represented NSW in First Class cricket. He is also really good friends with Ben (from Dear Luke & Ben). We called this episode the reluctant fast bowler and we need you to understand, before anything else, what reluctant actually means to us. Here is the abbreviation: feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or reluctance to get involved. Also: having or assuming a specified role. A reluctant hero. I want to draw your attention to the last part, the word where it says the hero. Imagine turning up to something, believing, you were not good enough, but turning up anyway! Imagine, dreaming of becoming a professional athlete and being told you did not have what takes to become one. Imagine standing at the top of your mark, ready to compete with the best on the planet, and not feeling like you belong! Well, that's Josh. Our reluctant guest and your reluctant superhero. Josh Lalor is actually a metaphor, for you, for me and for all of us to understand one true thing about life. That anything is possible and we are powerful, way beyond our own imagination. Josh became a professional cricketer, just a few days before he planned to give it away. Those last few steps changed his world and have inspired a generation of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to chase their own dreams, regardless of height, weight, stature, background or belief. In a world where a professional athlete (in josh's view) looked nothing like Josh, he rose up to become one of the best we have ever produced. Claiming wickets and victories against the best of all time. When everyone said no, Josh pressed a little harder and turned no into a yes. Please take your time listening through this conversation, you will hear a story of a talented professional sportsman, but what sits behind it, is a journey commitment fueled by passion. Josh is a proud Indigenous Australian and delivers, in this conversation, one of the most beautiful heartfelt, honest conversations we have had to date. Please enjoy our chat with Professional Cricketer, Indigenous Role Model, KPMG Professional, Superstar Bowler and our friend (and wannabe Batter), Josh Lalor.