The former Sandwell College student Hamza Shaikh will captain two Youth Tests against Sri Lanka at Wormsley CC, High Wycombe (8-11 July) and Cheltenham CC (16-19 July) and has described it as an “incredible honour” being named England’s under-19s captain. Hamza studied at Sandwell College on the Edgbaston Cricket Education Programme, where he combined playing and training while studying. Students on this programme have three days a week from Warwickshire Country Cricket Clubs indoor training centre which means young players can quickly switch from the nets to the classroom.
Hamza, 18, has been part of the Bears youth pathway since the age of 10 and has 15 youth international caps to his name. Hamza’s leadership skills have already been noted by the Bears management team and he has captained the club’s second XI in several games this summer, despite his relative youth.
“At times I’ve been captaining sides including the likes of Chris Woakes, Liam Norwell and Jake Lintott,” he said. “They’ve helped me and given me more confidence in my leadership on and off the field, advising on bowling options and field placements.
“But I’ve also captained sides that have been predominantly made up of Academy and youth pathway players where the lads have looked up to me for guidance. So I’ve experienced both sides of captaincy.
“I like to think I’m a fairly calm guy and captaincy doesn’t phase me. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hopefully coming away with a series win.”
Find out more about the cricket programme here.
