Grant Stewart is an exceptional cricket player hailing from Italy. Born in Australia, Stewart brings a unique blend of skills to the game, making him a valuable asset to the teams he represents.
Stewart’s journey in professional cricket began in 2017 when he signed his first contract with Kent. The county saw great potential in him, especially considering their shortage of pace bowlers. What makes Stewart’s case interesting is that, despite being born in Australia, he holds an EU passport through his Italian mother, which exempts him from being classified as an overseas player.
Before embarking on his cricketing career, Stewart pursued civil engineering, showcasing his intellectual prowess alongside his sporting talents. Growing up in New South Wales, he made his first-class debut as a bowling all-rounder in the final game of the 2017 Championship season, leaving a strong impression.
However, it was in Kent’s promotion season that Stewart truly made his mark. In a memorable floodlit match against Middlesex at Canterbury, Stewart’s exceptional performance took center stage. Filling in for Matt Henry and Darren Stevens, he seized the opportunity and claimed a stunning five-wicket haul with the new pink ball. Furthermore, he achieved his maiden first-class century, smashing 103 runs off just 73 balls, displaying his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Despite being plagued by injuries, Stewart’s determination and talent helped him overcome setbacks. In 2019, he suffered a torn hamstring during a match against Hampshire. This injury limited his participation in the Championship and T20 matches. However, he persevered and continued to make an impact whenever he was able to step onto the field.
An important milestone in Stewart’s career came in 2021 when he was part of the Kent side that clinched the Blast title. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, showcasing his versatility and skill as an all-rounder.
Stewart’s talent did not go unnoticed on the international stage. He received a call-up to represent Italy in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifying campaign. Making his T20I debut against Denmark, Stewart showcased his capabilities by scoring an impressive 51 off just 31 balls in his second appearance against the same opposition. Although Italy did not progress to the Global Qualifiers, Stewart’s performances displayed his potential and helped put Italian cricket on the map.
Recognizing his abilities, Kent extended Stewart’s contract in July 2022. This came shortly after he achieved the milestone of surpassing 1,000 first-class runs. Moreover, he played an instrumental role in guiding his county to victory in the Royal London Cup, claiming three wickets in the final against Lancashire and contributing to the team’s success.
Grant Stewart’s journey as a cricketer from Italy is a testament to his talent, determination, and versatility. With an EU passport allowing him to represent Italy on the international stage, Stewart continues to make a name for himself in the cricketing world. His impressive performances with both bat and ball highlight his immense potential, and it is clear that he has a bright future ahead.
