Figy hoping to overcome age difference with UAE U19s

Denzil Pinto 11:59 27/07/2015
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  • Focused: Figy.

    At 13-years-old, Jonathan Figy is the second-youngest player in the provisional UAE Under-19 squad. But he isn’t scared of coming up against older players, should he make the cut.

    The batsman has excelled in the sport since taking it up four years ago. He claimed the Most Valuable Player and Best Batsman awards at this year’s Sport360 National School League, going on to beat competition from 100 youngsters in the ECB Al Ain Under-19 tournament to be selected in the provisional 25-man squad.

    With only 14 places up for grabs for next month’s ACC Premier League competition in Malaysia, Figy knows it will be difficult.

    “Obviously it feels really great to be in the 25,” he said, after attending the first day of the final training camp at ICC Academy, Dubai, before selectors name their final 14 early next week.

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    “It’s not every day a 13-year-old can play for their country and it would be great to be selected, but I still want to keep learning and trying. It’s going to be tough but I’m ready for any challenge.

    “I’m not scared at all of playing against older boys. I can play to my strengths and I know I can impress. Even if I get hit by the ball, it won’t bother me.”

    He added: “The training session was hard of course but at this young age, it’s great that I’m getting this kind of exposure and I want to develop and gain much experience.”

    Meanwhile, spinner Artharva Kavi, 17, is relishing the opportunity to impress head coach Aaqib Javed.

    “It’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “We are all working hard and there’s great competition.

    “We know where we stand by how players are training and while it’s challenging, it’s something I will work extremely hard for.”

    Assistant ECB coach Mohammed Hyder, who oversaw yesterday’s training in Javed’s absence, added: “They know the level of competition they’re facing, so they are putting in the extra work in practice because it’s going to be extremely tough in Malaysia.” 

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