India U19 star Harsh Tyagi aspires to play Test cricket
Harsh Tyagi © Cricfrenzy
||CF Correspondent||
After showcasing a dominant batting performance, the India U-19 side also put up a clinical bowling display, keeping the Sri Lanka U19s out of the fray in the final match of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, on Sunday (October 7).
Harsh Tyagi was the pick of the Indian bowlers, bagging a six-wicket haul, as well as the Man of the Match award. Apart from putting an end to two promising knocks from the Sri Lankan camp, he did not let the rest of the batsmen settle as the islanders got bundled out for a puny total of 144 runs.
According to the 18-year-old spinner, it became easier for the bowlers to thrive when their batters posted a mammoth 304-run total on the scoreboard.
“It is always a great feeling when you win a tournament. It was a nice tournament. We really enjoyed it and can’t express the feeling out here.
“Yes, we were confident [after scoring 300]. In the previous match we scored 172 on this wicket and we were quite doubtful about the [final] match – whether we would be able score 250 or 300 runs. So once the batsmen scored 300 we were in great confidence that we will restrict them [the Sri Lanka U19s] in 200 or 150,” Tyagi told Cricfrenzy.
Speaking of his high-arm bowling action, Tyagi said that it is best suited for all formats of the game and it also helped him to garner success in the title-decider as he recorded his first-ever fifer for the Indian team. The youngster stole the limelight in the all-important clash by returning figures of 6/38.
“I really enjoyed bowling today as it was my first five-wicket haul for under-19 Indian team. The wicket was helpful for the spinners.
“It [high-arm action] was always helpful. It gives me bounce and turn and so I use a high arm action. It’s always good for Test matches as well as ODIs and Twenty20 cricket,” said the Delhi-based cricketer.
While many youngsters in India are more inclined towards the shorter format, Tyagi is looking to get a breakthrough in red-ball cricket for his country. Being an exciting prospect for the future, the bowler has the positive mindset to perform well irrespective of the levels he is playing at.
“I am looking forward to playing Test matches,” he said.
“My thinking is always positive – just to perform well whenever I get the opportunity. Whether I play for my state or country in any match, I will give my 100 percent and get success,” he added.
