Kent youngsters selected for South of England U15s Bunbury squad

Three young Kent Cricketers, including two Kent Cricket Academy scholars have been selected to play in the South of England under 15s squad, at the Bunbury Festival in Monmouth from 25^thto 29th July this year.

Jack Laraman (a left arm orthodox spin bowler) and Piers Richardson (a right arm pace bowler) are both Academy scholars, and will be joined by Kent Young Cricketer, Junaid Nadir (a right arm pace bowler).

Joe Denly, Lydia Greenway, Alex Blake, Sam Northeast, James Goodman and Matt Coles are just a few recent Academy graduates, and Kent Cricket recognises the increasing value of young players. The Kent Cricket Academy is entering a new and exciting phase and recently launched an Academy Strategy which will help to create a learning environment which enables players with potential to develop their individual skills and techniques to the highest possible standard.

Jack Laraman commented on his selection, “I’m buzzing for Bunbury, it will be a great experience! I’m playing cricket as often as I can at as high a standard as possible. I think the parts I am most looking forward to as well as the cricket, are getting my Bunbury cap, listening to Andy Flower speak, and playing a t20 at the SWALEC Stadium.”

Piers Richardson is also excited about this new challenge; “I feel very privileged to have been given this fantastic opportunity, and proud to be representing Kent. I’m really looking forward to being able to play cricket at such a high level for my age, and of course getting my cap and tie! Since signing for the Academy I have been doing the daily exercises given to me by Pete and Max, and the batting and bowling coaching I received in the winter from Paul and Simon has improved my game immensely. More recently, this summer, Ian Baldock has been very influential too and the continuous support, encouragement and motivation given to me by Simon Willis and Steve Holness is immeasurable.”

Kent Young Cricketer, Junaid Nadir has also been working hard to prepare for the competition; “Being selected is one great achievement and a great thrill. Even getting this far is a big thing; I’m preparing for this as I have a shot at my dream and I will take this opportunity with both hands. I have been going to the nets daily with my elder brother, Hussnan and I’d like to give him a big thanks for everything. I’m looking forward to taking part in such a big tournament and it’s good to get something like this under my belt.”

Simon Willis, Kent Cricket Academy’s High Performance Director is extremely proud of the boys’ selection, stating, “These boys have worked really hard and produced match winning performances at various levels so far this summer. This is another great opportunity for them to show off their skills against competitive opposition, at a festival that is renowned for producing future England cricketers. We wish them all the best for the week ahead.”