Current stars of the cricket universe have advised youngsters set to
compete in the ICC’s Under-19 World Cup in Queensland, Australia next
month to use the event as a launching pad for greater things, but never
lose sight of the basic tenets that guide the great game.
“You
know, it’s all about playing and winning, but a lot of it is the
respect. You just need to respect the badge that’s on your head and
that’s over your heart. You’ve got to wear it with pride. The respect
you have for where you are, where you’ve come from, and who you’re
representing,” said Australia opener David Warner.
Warner played in the 2006 edition in Sri Lanka, scoring 91 runs at 30.33.
“Obviously,
it was a thrill for me to play for Australia and represent Australia at
a young level. I learnt a lot back then, stuff that I wouldn’t have
known otherwise. The event is a finishing school for elite young
cricketers coming through the ranks. If I knew then what I know now,
then probably it would have helped even more,” Warner said.
“As a
player, I think I’ve matured into a better person and a better team
player – not saying that I wasn’t a good team player, but you learn how
to actually play the game as an individual and as a team player. I also
think you become more knowledgeable about the game,” he added.
South Africa batsman Hashim Amla echoed Warner’s views.
“Enjoy
every moment as you are incredibly privileged to have the opportunity
to play the game that you love and try to make the most of it. The ICC
U19 CWC is very important as it teaches you invaluable cricket and life
lessons which go a long way as you try to build your career,” said Amla,
who became the first South Africa batsman to score a triple century
while scoring 311 not out against England at The Oval on 22 July 2012.
Amla
played in the 2000 edition in New Zealand and scored 191 runs in eight
matches, including 29 off 34 balls in the final against Australia which
Cameron White’s side won by seven wickets.
“It (the final)
was a tough match for us, Australia are never an easy team to play
against, at any level. Cameron White had a fantastic tournament for
Australia, it was a bitter pill to swallow losing in the final but I
think our squad learnt a lot from the experience.”
Earlier, England ODI captain Alastair Cook gave the tournament a big thumbs up.
“Without
a doubt the tournament is a launching pad for future stars. You can see
how many people have played U19 cricket and are now playing full
international cricket.”
Cook captained England in the 2004 event
in Bangladesh and finished as the second most successful batsman in the
tournament behind India’s Shikhar Dhawan (505) with 383 runs from seven
matches with an average of just under 77.
“Us personally, we
reached the semi-finals. We were disappointed that we didn’t get to the
final as we had a very good team,” Cook reminisced on the 2004 edition.
“When
you are playing U19 cricket for your county or state side, there is no
media, there is no public interest. And suddenly, you are thrown at the
world stage where people can make a name for themselves. After the
matches, you have to do media interviews and you get to play in matches
which are being broadcast live.
“Experiences like these can only
help you develop as a player and realise what future you have, if you
are lucky to play full international cricket,” said Cook.
