Sam Fanning has emerged from Western Australia’s competitive cricketing system as a left-handed opening batter known for his discipline and temperament. A product of the WA youth pathway, the New Zealand-born Australian cricketer built a reputation in his teenage years for batting time and valuing his wicket, a trait that made him a natural fit at the top of the order.

His first big break came with selection for Australia’s squad at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. Fanning showed grit against quality opposition, most notably with a measured 75 against India in the quarter-final game in Potchefstroom. However, Fanning received two demerit points in the game. The Christchurch-born cricketer elbowed Indian pacer Akash Singh and was found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

As far as the tournament is concerned, Fanning had a good World Cup as he scored 236 runs in five games and was among the top-ten highest run-getters of the competition. 

Back in Australia, Fanning began making runs for Perth Cricket Club in WA Premier Cricket, where he established himself as one of the competition’s most reliable openers. His consistency in grade cricket earned him call-ups for Western Australia’s Second XI, where he produced several half-centuries. However, in March 2023, Fanning was involved in another controversy as he was found guilty of digging his spikes into the protected area of the pitch at the WA Premier Cricket match. Following the incident, Fanning received a four-game ban from the WA Premier Cricket competition.

The 2000-born cricketer made his first-class debut for Western Australia against the New South Wales in October 2022. However, his List A and T20 debuts came in early 2024. Notably, Fanning got the chance to make his first-class debut only in that game after opening batter Shaun Marsh got injured. 

Fanning made his Big Bash debut for Perth Scorchers in the 2023-24 season. Perth Scorchers signed him for the next season as well. In the 2025-26 season, Fanning will represent the same franchise. In Australia's premier domestic T20 tournament, Fanning has made an impact with both his batting and fielding. 

“I watched the Big Bash all throughout my teenage years and loved it so to be playing that consistent role at the top of the order was absolutely unreal. Naturally I have always been quite attacking but haven’t showcased it, so it’s nice to have the chance to show my more attacking side. It’s another reason why opening the batting with Finn Allen, who is such a destructive player, was a great experience and something I learned a lot from," Fanning said on his BBL experience in an interview. 

Off the field, Fanning is described as disciplined and reserved. Those close to him say his early lessons in grade cricket — facing seasoned bowlers on bouncy Perth decks — shaped his resilience and focus. Sam Fanning remains one of Western Australia’s most watchable young batters.

(As of November 2025)