ACT Meteors rising star Annie Wikman has capped off a remarkable three year development surge with selection in the Governor-General’s XI, marking a major milestone in the 24 year old’s cricket career.
Wikman has been one of the ACT’s most consistent young batting talents since joining the Meteors. A top order batter with dual Australian-Italian heritage, she has also represented Italy’s Women’s National Team, balancing her domestic and international commitments while becoming one of the Meteors stand out performers in the 2025/26 season.
Speaking about how she first learned of her selection, Wikman revealed the news came at an unexpected moment:
“I think I got (the) message - it was actually as we were running onto the field in Tassie - and I didn’t realise until after those two games were over that they sort of put me in for some of the injured girls in the Governor-General's squad, so it’s pretty exciting.”
She added that the sudden callup created some pressure;
“Very surprising it was also, quite stressful in terms of where that means I go from here; do I go from Hobart what does it look like. So, (a) quick turnaround back in Canberra for a day and off I go again.”
The ACT Meteors brought Wikman into their squad in 2022, midway through the 2021/22 WNCL season. She made an immediate impression, debuting shortly after, against her home state of Queensland.
Wikman commented on her sides progression over the season;
“Most importantly the team is tracking along, and I think we’re coming off another two good wins and really looking forward to taking this momentum into the last four games of the season.”
Formed in 2015/16, the prestigious side is selected annually to showcase both established and emerging women’s cricket talent. The Governor-General’s XI traditionally competes in fixtures against visiting international teams, with recent editions against India and England drawing strong crowds and national broadcast coverage.
For Wikman, the experience offers a valuable chance to develop alongside elite players:
“Just being involved in that sort of environment. Looking forward to learning so much off everybody involved. The quality of players that I’ll be playing with and against is just phenomenal and I’m just looking to soaking up and learn as much as possible.”
In addition to her WNCL career, Wikman has also made strides on the international front through her involvement with the Italian Women’s National team, leveraging her heritage to compete on the European circuit.
Wikman’s selection comes at a time when the ACT Meteors are building strong momentum in the WNCL. She emphasised how much recent team success has meant to the group:
“I think it means everything to the girls and just how far we have come… all that hard work, we are finally starting to see some of the results on the field and it’s important we take these moments when we can and really push for those second, third places on the ladder.”
With selection in the Governor-General’s XI and strong WNCL form to build on, 2026 is shaping up as an important year for Annie Wikman.
She will now turn her focus to joining the squad this week for the opportunity for her to assert herself among the nation’s most promising cricketers.
The Governor-General’s XI side will play against India on February 13th at North Sydney Oval.