"We Deserve To Be Here" | Naik Previews U18 Boys Semi-Final Clash

Jigar Naik says his side ‘deserve to be where they are’ ahead of Sunday’s U18 County One Day Cup semi-final against Yorkshire.

The young Foxes have blitzed through the competition after securing comprehensive wins over Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire prior to tomorrow’s clash at Uppingham School.

On the eve of the fixture, Head of Talent Pathway, Naik, says the Academy are raring to go. “The boys are very excited,” he says. “Getting to games like this is what they play cricket for. It’s been a long time since we’ve reached a semi-final of a 50-over competition, so I’m delighted for the lads.

“They’ve been playing some outstanding cricket, and they deserve to be where they are. Hopefully we can push one step further into the final.”

When asked about the determining factor behind the side’s superb run, Naik is quick to acknowledge the collective effort and buoyant team spirit in the squad.

“The most impressive part of our campaign has been our ability to consistently execute an all-round game and win as a team. We haven’t had to rely on one person, because everyone has put their hand up at different stages - whether that be batters managing a game situation or bowlers building pressure and taking wickets.

“The group have gelled so well and created a great atmosphere, as well as a winning mindset. We have a great mix of experienced heads but also players who have a few years left to develop at under 18 level.”

One such experienced head is 18-year-old skipper Liam Tew, whose leadership skills and chart-topping performances with the ball have drawn special praise from Naik.

“Tewy is a great leader,” he nods. “He’s a fighter, a winner, and he embodies what we endorse as a team. He takes the lads with him, and I’ve been really impressed with the astute decisions he’s made with bowling changes and field settings. Liam is 18 but has shown outstanding maturity and knowledge beyond his years.”

Another standout performer showcasing his precocious talent is 16-year-old Ronak Rajashekar, who has churned out consistent runs batting at number three. The youngster sits third in the tournament’s run-charts, having accumulated 207 at 69 in his three innings “ passing fifty on each occasion en route to Sunday’s semi-final.

“Ronak has been fantastic,” Naik admits. “Batting at three can be tough but I’ve been impressed with the way he’s constructed his innings. He’ll be the first one to put his hand up and say he could have gone on, but he’s only 16. His target now is to kick on and making match-winning performances. That’s the next stage of his development.”

Two wins from glory, Naik says the Academy have drawn great inspiration from Leicestershire’s First Team, who lifted 50-over silverware in the form of the Metro Bank One Day Cup last September.

With rookie Josh Hull bowling the match-clinching final over, batters Harry Swindells and Sam Evans making a priceless century and half-century respectively, as well as captain Lewis Hill ultimately lifting the trophy, there was a plentiful presence of homegrown heroes who have graced the well-trodden Academy to First Team path.

“The lads have certainly taken inspiration from the First Team’s success. It’s always been a hallmark of Leicestershire to give homegrown talent their opportunity. Last year was a hugely successful advert in seeing success delivered under pressure from Academy graduates.

“It’s so important that we have Academy lads in the squad - people like Rehan Ahmed, Josh Hull, Sam Wood, and now Alex Green “ who are absolute role models to our boys. The Academy lads can see a clear pathway to the top at Leicestershire, which is a huge motivator.”

17-year-old Green became the most recent debutant in a proud production line when he appeared for the first time in senior cricket during the Foxes’ eight-wicket win over Yorkshire on Thursday. Returning 2/65 from his ten overs, it was a performance which filled Naik and the Academy coaching staff with immense pride.

“We are so proud of him,” he beams. “The Pathway coaching staff have known Greeny since he was 12. He’s always had the skill and talent, but he’s worked extraordinary hard, which a lot of people don’t see.

“He’s like a sponge, he listens to everything, and he’s got high ambitions. To make your Leicestershire debut and your England U19 debut in such quick succession is a phenomenal achievement, and a proud day for everyone involved with the Academy and the Club.”

Pivoting back to Sunday’s semi-final, Naik says his final messages to the team will be to embrace the experience and play on the front foot.

“We just want the boys to enjoy it. They’re there because they love the sport. They’re taking the field with a group of mates and they’re playing positive cricket, which is a healthy place to be in.

“They like to take the attack to the opposition. For far too long we took a step back when opposition players took the game to us, but we’re seeing the Foxes getting their claws out now and fighting back. That’s the attitude we pride ourselves on.”

Leicestershire U18 Boys take on Yorkshire U18s at Uppingham School on Sunday, 11 August (11am start).