‘Watermelon boy’ captures imagination in Australian Big Bash record crowd

Ten-year-old Mitchell Schibeci has gained instant cult status after being filmed eating an entire watermelon at a cricket match in Australia.

The youngster has quickly been dubbed ‘watermelon boy’ after he tucked in and ate the giant fruit, rind and all, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Here is the final effort from #watermelonboy @tensporttv @mcg @BBL pic.twitter.com/XQ2blGugTA

— Tony Schibeci (@theschibecsta) January 2, 2016

Schibeci’s actions were captured on the MCG big screen, with television audiences keeping track of his efforts and social media erupting.

The suddenly famous youngster was part of a 80,883 record crowd at the Big Bash League clash between Melbourne rivals Stars and Renegades, which the former won by seven wickets.

It's been a big night for @watermelonboyau #watermelonboy. Time for sleep @tensporttv @BBL pic.twitter.com/mRg4xZoLN8

— Tony Schibeci (@theschibecsta) January 2, 2016

Michel Schibeci’s father, Tony Schibeci a Melbourne radio show host and said that his son had devised the stunt as a way of getting on TV.

@randsportsfacts he wanted to do something to get on TV. So decided on this

— Tony Schibeci (@theschibecsta) January 2, 2016

Meanwhile another cricket record was set on Sunday when English all-rounder Ben Stokes scored the quickest 250 runs in test history against South Africa on Sunday, smashing his way to the figure in 196 balls.

The 24-year-old finished on 258 and showed no mercy to the Cape Town bowling attack, striking 30 fours and an English record 11 sixes as the visitors declared a huge total of 6-629.