The latest round of the State Championship has seen spectacular performances with the bat by three youngsters.
20 year old Jeet Raval scored 256 for the State Auckland Aces against the State Central Stags, equaling the third highest total ever by an Auckland player. His performance was all the more remarkable given this was only his second first class game for the province.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the country twenty one year old debutant, Ryan McCone, was firing on all cylinders for the State Canterbury Wizards. McCone came in to bat at number nine with his team in disarray at 101 for 7. Showing maturity and composure beyond his years, McCone notched up 102 in a 167 run partnership with captain Kruger van Wyk to rescue the situation for the Wizards.
In Whangarei, State Northern Knights all-rounder Kane Williamson continued the form that saw him crowned Young Player of the Year last year. Having scored 111 and 95 against Auckland in the last round of the State Championship, the 18 year old struck a fine 100 against the State Wellington Firebirds this week.
New Zealand Cricket selector Glenn Turner says, “It’s fantastic to see young cricketers seizing the opportunity they have been given at the top level and making their mark on the game. The more competition there is for places the healthier the game is.”
Raval arrived in New Zealand from India just over four years ago, and played for Auckland A and Under 19s prior to his debut for the first team against the West Indies earlier this season.
Andrew Eade, CEO for Auckland Cricket says “Jeet has a fantastic temperament and technique. We have always had high hopes for him at the top level, and are thrilled to see him doing so well on such a big stage”.
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