Ali has memorable few days

Aadil Ali fulfilled a lifelong ambition this week by making a first-class debut for his hometown club against Kent this week.  

The 20-year-old came through the age-group system, Academy and Second XI at Grace Road before signing his first professional contract last winter.

Those who have followed Ali’s progress over the years will know all about his ability and he got the chance to show it in the first team.

His Sunday started with a special presentation by Leicestershire legend Jonathan Agnew, and Ali was in the middle scoring his first runs in the first-class arena a few hours later.

“It was great to sign my first professional contract but this is the best feeling ever,” said Ali. “To be handed the Leicestershire baggy green by Jonathan Agnew was a special moment.

“It’s all been a dream come true. I can remember going to my sessions at under 10 and under 11 level and staying to watch the first team play and thinking ‘I hope I’m there one day’. Making my debut is a moment I won’t ever forget.

“The lads settled any nerves I had quickly because we have a lot of good senior players who put their arm around you and look after you. I’m happy to be here and hopefully I’ll keep getting the opportunities and I can take them.”

Ali has been soaking up as much advice as he can since being part of the first team environment and he showed good application with the willow in testing circumstances.

His introduction to the first-class arena was to face Kent’s threatening seam attack of Matt Coles, Darren Stevens, Calum Haggett and Adam Bal, and he scored 21 in facing 93 delivieries in the game.

He said: “Coming back to Leicestershire after having a spell playing abroad this winter was great. Being around the lads helped me to feel welcome and get a good feel about the place.  There were a lot of changes over the winter and it was all new to me, but it’s been great.

“Ned (Eckersley) and Robbo (Angus Robson) have been in good form all season and again played well on the first morning, but wickets tended to fall in clusters in this game, so you always have to be ready to go.

“Mentally I was in a pretty good place and although you’re bound to be nervous on debut, Jigar said to me before I went out ‘just enjoy it’ and I took his advice. Getting the first runs was great, even if it was a three down to third man!”

Eckersley was captain of the Leicestershire four-day team for the first time and had special words of praise for Ali. He said: “I’m really proud of Aadil and the way he went about it, he loved every second of it. He fought really hard with the bat and gave everything in the field.

“Everybody is delighted for him in the changing room, he was worked his way up through the club from the age groups through to the Academy through to the Second team. It’s good to see guys like Aadil getting a go and I’m sure he has a bright future.”

* Many thanks to Ed Melia for the photo of Aadil and Jonathan.