Ali focussed on future

Aadil Ali is broadening his cricketing horizons as he looks to build on a tremendous first full season on the first-class circuit.

The Leicestershire batsman, who only turned 21 just before 2015 came to an end, has been representing the University of New South Wales in Australia’s First Grade competition.

It’s fair to say that Ali made a hugely positive first impression as he racked up 162 on debut as an opener for the side, continuing his fine form from the 2015 domestic campaign in England.

Going Down Under has been a valuable learning experience for Ali and he is heading back later this week to continue his spell in Sydney, where he has come up against some familiar faces, including a former Fox.

“I was out in Australia for three months before Christmas and I’m heading back out to Sydney later this week after spending the festive period with my family,” said Ali. “It’s always good to play outside on grass wickets over the winter and I’ve had that opportunity through playing for the University of New South Wales in Sydney.

“I was able to go out to Dubai last winter and it has been nice to get away again for a few months. The ball comes on well in Australia, there have been nice bouncy wickets and that has helped with my back foot game.

“It’s always good to get off to a good start and I managed to get some runs in the first game. That took the pressure off and allowed me to enjoy it. I’ve been working hard, it’s a step below first-class cricket but there is good competition and tough opposition.

“Each team has an overseas player and I came across Nathan Buck, who is playing for Manly. There are other county cricketers doing well such as Nick Browne and Jaik Mickleburgh from Essex and Jade Dernbach from Surrey. Angus Robson also plays for Eastern Suburbs but I haven’t played against him yet!”

Ali could be forgiven for not wanting 2015 to come to an end as it was a real breakthrough year for the talented batsman.  Leicestershire were well aware of Ali’s talents through his performances in the Second XI and he transferred those into the First team.

Elite Performance Director Andrew McDonald named Ali in the first Foxes NatWest T20 Blast squad at Lancashire Lightning in May and the batter went on to make his First XI debut in all three forms of the game.

Ali located and cleared the boundary in the white ball competitions and also showed that he could construct a long innings, such as his memorable knock of 84 against Gloucestershire which hauled the team back into the match.

It was that particular skill that really caught the eye in first-class cricket. Ali showed exemplary application at the wicket and one extremely gutsy knock, where he helped to fend off the dangerous Mark Footitt as the team landed an enthralling home victory on the last day against Derbyshire, will live long in the memory.

He scored 412 County Championship runs at an impressive average of 37.45 and displayed high levels of concentration in facing 1,064 deliveries in the process. Ali also recorded three well-constructed half-centuries in his 12 innings.

Rather than reflect too heavily on the past, Ali is now focused on the 2016 season and is already tapping into the vast experience within County’s squad, including Leicestershire’s Australian contingent.

“I finished the season quite well but all of that is forgotten now because it’s all about the season coming up. The first thing is trying to get in the team because there’s really good depth in the squad. Hopefully I’ll get a chance and whenever I do, I have to make the most of it and try to keep my place.

“We have made experienced signings and if I can bounce some ideas and gain some knowledge off them, it can only improve my game. I have spoken to Horts (Paul Horton) a bit as he is from Australia and was in the same place as me in Sydney. I will learn from all of the new signings and they will add competition in the batting department, which is good for the club.

“I met up with Andrew (McDonald) and Clint McKay a few times as they have been based in Sydney with Thunder in the Big Bash, and Angus Robson is playing in the same part of the world too. I came back for Christmas but am flying back out to Australia and will also have a few days in Dubai too on the way home.

“Everyone is on the same page as Andrew (McDonald) and with the quality and depth that we have in the squad at Leicestershire, we can make things happen this year. All of the lads are excited about the new season and can’t wait to get going.”