Young Lions captain Shaikh considers the Bears role

Shaikh captained the Young Lions for the first time in the recent youth Tests against Sri Lanka and led from the front, his 107 in the second Test last week providing the bedrock for an innings victory.

The 18-year-old made five One Day Cup appearances last year – averaging 32.50, the Bears third-highest in the competition – and is looking to gain more first-team experience in the 50-over format years this year.

“It’s been an incredible 12 months for me,” said former Sandwell College student Shaikh. “I was pleased with the way I played in the One Day Cup last year and since then I’ve been to South Africa for the Under-19 World Cup and I’ve also had the privilege of managing England’s youth team. “We have a very strong squad for the One Day Cup but I hope I can play a few matches and make an impact.

“The competition is a great opportunity for me and guys like Che Simmons, Theo Wylie and Taz Ali to be around the senior team, continue to learn from the guys and get exposure to the first team.

“Hopefully we can go one better this year and get to the final at Trent Bridge… that would be amazing to experience.”

Smethwick CC star Shaikh, from Birmingham, and fast bowler Che Simmons, 20, are both graduates of the Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme, which the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation runs in association with Sandwell College. The program – based at Edgbaston’s Indoor Center – offers BTEC courses in sports science and coaching aimed at students considering careers in sport, sports marketing, psychology, nutrition and a range of other professions.

“It was great to study in a professional cricket environment and at an iconic stadium like Edgbaston,” added Shaikh.

“When I finished high school I was looking for something that would allow me to continue playing cricket while studying. The Sandwell College course was the best option.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more: a classroom overlooking the school’s inner hallways so I could finish my studies and come down to train. It saved a lot of travel time. And during lunch breaks, we could sit on the balcony and watch the pros. We were getting advice, talking to the guys, it was a huge learning opportunity.”