Most young bowlers dream of taking the shiny new white ball in a Cricket World Cup. For Mossman’s Kai Wall, that dream came true this year — and he did it without wearing the green and gold of Australia.
The 17‑year‑old fast bowler was named Douglas Shire Council’s Junior Sports Award winner for 2026, recognised for a breakout year that culminated in representing Japan at the Under‑19 World Cup in South Africa.
Kai describes the experience as nothing short of extraordinary.
“Surreal. It’s the best comp I’ve played in by far,” he said on DSC For You & Me.
“Seeing the standard of all the best up‑and‑coming players in the world was incredible. To be able to play against them was amazing.”
Japan’s squad was familiar territory — a tight‑knit group he has represented before — but the World Cup was a clear step up.
“Mainly the same group of boys, very good culture around them,” he said.
“But the World Cup was another level.”
One of his standout moments came when he opened the bowling against Sri Lanka.
“I was sort of soaked up in the moment, just trying to focus on what I could do best,” he said.
“Now that I’m back home, I’m struggling to believe I’ve just played against some of these teams.”
Japan’s Under‑19 squad is a multicultural mix, with several players and staff linked to Australia. “I flew down to Brisbane, and a few of the coaching staff are based there, as well as about seven of the players,” Kai said. “We’re scattered all over the world, but we gel really nicely when we play.”
Competing against the world’s best has given Kai a clear sense of what’s possible. “It shows a standard I can try and work my way up to,” he said. “I’m not quite as good as them at the moment, but it gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.”
Back home, Kai plays for Barron River Cricket Club in Trinity Beach and says returning to club cricket has been grounding. “Same old cricket — just trying to do what I can to help the team,” he said.
“The guys have been very supportive.”
Off the field, Kai is in his final year at Mossman State High School.
“I’m in Year 12, trying to balance study with cricket, but I’m working through it,” he said.
His aspirations are clear: represent Far North Queensland at senior level, and one day earn a place in Japan’s men’s national team.
Although he couldn’t attend the Australia Day Awards ceremony, Kai said receiving the Junior Sports Award was a huge honour. “It was incredible,” he said.
“There’s so much sporting talent in this area, especially in the junior pathways. It meant a lot to get that award.”
