Swindells excited about international call-up

Leicestershire CCC batsman/wicket-keeper Harry Swindells is relishing the chance to pit his wits against some of the world’s best young cricketers in the next fortnight.

The 18-year-old has joined up with England Under-19s for the first time as the squad prepares for a two-test series against India with games played in Chesterfield and Worcester.

England are currently playing a two-day warm-up match against a Unicorns XI in Loughborough, while an Inivtational XI is also taking on India today. England then face two four-day test matches at Queen’s Park (Sunday, July 23-Wednesday, July 26) and New Road (Monday, July 31 to Thursday, August 3).

It is all great experience for Leicestershire Academy player Swindells, who is grateful to get the opportunity to be part of the national set-up.

Swindells said: “I was honoured to get a call from [ECB National Performance Manager] David Graveney to inform me that I’d been selected. It’s been a goal of mine to get in the Under-19s squad for the last couple of years and it’s great to have been able to achieve it.

“This is my first international call-up, I’ve played at national tournaments in the past but this is the first chance I’ve had to experience the England set-up. I am looking forward to seeing how the coaches and other players go about their business, and learning as much as I can.

“It’s always an ambition to test yourself against the very best players and India will be a very good side. There will be different ideas working with England coaches, and I look forward to getting all of the insight that they will provide. It will be a great experience for me.”

Swindells has been training with the First XI since the winter and he has reaped the benefits of that opportunity. The teenager feels that the call-up is a result of hard work, something that coaches at Leicestershire CCC testify.

“It’s great that the hard work has paid off, I often get to Grace Road for 6.30am on a Saturday so I can hit some balls against Merlyn [bowling machine] or have [Indoor School Manager] Dips Patel throwing balls at me,” said Swindells.

“I work as hard as I can and have a lot of people to thank who have helped my game a lot, including Dips, [Academy Director] Andy Siddall, [Head Coach] Pierre de Bruyn, [Second XI Coach] John Sadler and [Assistant Coach] Graeme Welch.

“Training with the Leicestershire professionals since the winter has also helped my development. Learning off the batsmen and wicket-keepers has been so beneficial. To see the shots the batsmen play and learn what it takes to be a professional cricketer has been invaluable to me.”

Swindells was given an early opportunity to experience men’s cricket in local leagues in Leicestershire, and his game has also came on in Leicestershire’s Second XI this summer. The ‘keeper has learnt to adapt his batting style to all formats, something that is crucial in the modern game given the demands of a summer schedule in county cricket.

“Playing men’s cricket at an early stage for Narborough and Littlethorpe helped no end,” said Swindells.

“I had 10 great years playing there, it’s such a great club and I will forever be thankful for the opportunities and support that everyone at the club gave me. I’m also grateful to Leicester Ivanhoe for allowing me the chance to play Premier League cricket.

“My style is to get stuck in and be busy, whether that be with the bat or gloves. I’ve experienced batting in all positions, so can adapt my game, whether I need to sit in for a period or play some shots. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity and want to take it with both hands.”