Cricket-mad Badat to bat on UK circuit

Husain Badat became hooked on cricket when he first laid his hands on a bat at the age of the four.

Since then the Durban cricketer has had his eye on the international circuit.

The 22-year-old will make his home in Manchester, England, for the next six months to play in the Central Lancashire Cricket League.

The Reservoir Hills sportsman was selected by the Unsworth Cricket Club in Bury, Manchester, as one of their new international players for the upcoming season which kicks off later this month.

Cricket has been a prominent feature in Badat's family for four generations, starting with his great-grandfather who once chaired a cricket association.

Said Badat: "The first time I held a bat, I was about four years old. I knew it was something that I wanted to do."

Apart from playing the game, the all- rounder is a qualified level one and two coach.

When he's not at the crease or on the field, playing for the Delta Cricket Club in Durban, Badat shares his skills with youngsters who are eager to play.

"It was only after I left school and started working with coaches at club level that I began learning so much more.

"What I learnt in the past two or three years has taught me so much. Had I learnt these little techniques when I was younger, I could have been a lot better. With my coaching, I want to give that back to the little ones and improve their game."

Badat conceded that going from being the opening batsman for his club to a rookie in the UK would be a big change for him - but one he was looking forward to.

"It will be a great experience because I will have the opportunity to play against and with international cricketers so I will be able to better myself. The one daunting aspect is having to cook and clean for myself."