Born of Indian parents Arjun Bagga is giving fast bowling a good name Down Under

Of Indian parentage, 16-year-old left-handed fast bowler Arjun Bagga made his debut in first grade cricket for North Sydney memorable by capturing 3 for 22 against a strong Western Suburbs team recently.


He followed it with more impressive figures in subsequent matches, especially against premiers St George. In the under-17 National Cricket Championship in Adelaide last month, Arjun Bagga captured 15 wickets for New South Wales at 15.07. His best figures were 6 for 73 against ACT, Canberra. This performance After this he was the only NSW player named in the Team of the Tournament.

"I was surprised to do so well in my early matches, but I know there will be a lot of challenging games through the season", he told MiD DAY. Arjun is in Year 11 at school and wants to do a degree in Economics, Business or Commerce.

He toured the West Indies last November for the Under-16 World Cup and took five wickets (including a hat-trick) in a match against the West Indies Under-16s. He captured most wickets in the World Cup and was adjudged as the Best Bowler of the competition.

Last season, he took 28 wickets for North Sydney in Green Shield, equalling a Club record.

Wasim Akram is his hero. "I try to bowl like him. His photograph along with those of Shane Watson, Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden decorate my wall," he said.

He is coached by Neil D'Costa, who has coached Test cricketers Michael Clarke and Phillip Hughes.

Arjun is no mug with the bat. He scored a century in the fifth grade when 13 and has hit quite a few fifties in grade cricket.

He is good enough to train with under-19s. "It's been great training with the Under-19 City team. I put in 20 weeks of pre-season training in the gym to focus on general fitness and skills.

"My aim is to secure my spot in first grade and then in a couple of years to play for NSW."

Dave Rodgie, the North Sydney selector and secretary who has been involved with the Club for 37 years, is excited about Arjun. "He is a rare player.u00a0 I've never seen a 16-year-old fast bowler like Arjun.

Prospect
"He is dedicated to the task and he's always been skilful", Rodgie said and predicted Arjun will play for Australia. "We would certainly be hoping he will progress through the State system pretty quickly,"
he added.

The writer is an Indian based in Sydney

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