Raj Bawa recalls Curtly Ambrose’ advice ahead of New Zealand A series

He recently won the Under-19 World Cup [PC: Twitter]

Raj Bawa was at his imperial best against England in the final of this year’s Under-19 World Cup in West Indies. The speedster picked a five-fer in the title clash and also scored a handy 35 to script a four-wicket win for the ‘Boys in Blue’.

Bawa’s all-round show earned him his maiden IPL contract, as he joined the Punjab Kings camp for the 2022 season. Moreover, the cricketer has now received his maiden India A call-up for the upcoming three-match 50-overs series against New Zealand A.

Ahead of the series, the 19-year-old recalled an advice he received from West Indies’ legend Curtly Ambrose early this year.

Ambrose advised me to not lose my pace

Bawa stated that the former West Indies pacer congratulated him and advised him to not sacrifice his bowling speed for line and length. Bawa said:

“Don’t lose your pace. You are quick. You can trouble the best in the business with the kind of steep bounce you generate from the good length. Don’t become a line-length bowler. Enjoy the evening.”

The Chandigarh-based cricketer also credited his IPL experience for landing a spot in the India A team for the home series against New Zealand. 

“IPL experience always counts. You get to train with the best Indian and international cricketers. You see how Rabada goes through his bowling or how Livingstone and Bairstow work on their power-hitting. It was an enriching experience.”

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