TWO TORN anterior cruciate ligaments in two years. Two major surgeries. Two long periods of rehab. Two sporting seasons ruined. 
At just 15, multi-talented Allira James has faced double trouble.
But Allira, who was a nominee for the Loddon Herald Sports Star of the Year in 2024 for her cricketing feats, is resolutely positive and setting her sights on a return to the field.
In August 2022, when she was 13, Allira ruptured the ACL in her right knee playing netball.
Just over a year later she was playing with the Northern Rivers representative side in the Cricket Victoria Country Cup, where she starred with both bat and ball.
Then, in June last year Allira tore the ACL in her left knee, this time playing hockey.
For a second time, she has had to face 12 months or more of rehabilitation and hard work.
“It’s very good, actually,” Allira said of her recovering knee. 
“I’m going to the gym in Bendigo three times a week and doing a lot of knee and leg-strength exercises to support the muscles around the knee.”
It’s a familiar routine for the Serpentine youngster. “It’s pretty similar to last time – most things I’m doing now I did the first time.”
Allira’s mother, Nicky, is in awe of her daughter’s mental toughness.
“She’s very mature. She is a doer, and she just blows people away with her attitude.
“She’s got a really good head on her shoulders. She’s really switched on and looks at the silver lining in everything.”
Allira’s aim is to return to cricket training in June, with the intention of resuming premier league cricket in Melbourne next season.
She plays with Plenty Valley Cricket Club, making her debut in the thirds last January in a team with players aged from 14 to the mid-30s.
Since her second ACL injury, Allira has continued to take part in the club’s high-performance program in the off-season, showing her commitment to her sport and her recovery.
A footballer, netballer and hockey player as well as a cricketer, Allira said cricket was now her focus.
“I’d love to play professionally, but if that doesn’t work out, I’ll keep playing cricket in Melbourne,” she said. 
Strangely enough, experiencing the injuries and undergoing the arduous recovery has helped Allira choose her path in life, with a plan to study physiotherapy at university.
That’s if she doesn’t hit the cricket big time, which given her skill, drive and determination, no one would be brave enough to rule out.