Worcestershire Academy will do battle against a familiar face when they take on Smethwick in the final of the Graham Williamson Trophy at New Road this Sunday in Seconds coach Kadeer Ali.
Kadeer switched from West Bromwich Dartmouth to play for Smethwick this season and scored 40 in their semi-final win over Kidderminster.
The former Worcestershire batter also played in the previous two rounds against Warwickshire Academy and Berkswell when hitting 14 and 29, respectively.
Kadeer said: “I’m really excited, and there has been lots of banter already with people like Kevin Sharp and Elliott Wilson, hoping that I get a first baller!
“But in all seriousness, it will be great to play against our young up and coming players, and it will be an excellent experience for them.
“They have done very well to get to the final, and we are able to put out a decent side on Sundays, so it should be a competitive game.”
Academy Coach Elliot Wilson joked: “I’m going to ignore him for the week! Seriously, It will be good to have a day of cricket against Kadeer and Smethwick.”
Worcestershire Cricket Steering Group Chairman, Paul Pridgeon, paid tribute to the achievements of the Academy players and coaches in reaching the Graham Williamson Trophy final for the first time.
He said: “Really pleased for the young lads, and it is an accolade to the coaching staff as well, that they are pushing them in the right way.
“It is encouraging signs for the future. There have been some really good individual performances.
“A lot of those youngsters are playing some good cricket, and it will be a tremendous experience playing in a final at New Road.”
