AGELESS: Quick Nadeem Ashraf has been on fire for CYMS with the ball this year, taking 32 wickets, and is confident of nabbing more when the green and golds take on Kinross at Wade Park. Photo: NICK McGRATH 0131nmnadeem1
IT’S often said you can’t buy experience, and at 37, Nadeem Ashraf will boast more than double that of some of his Kinross opponents tonight at Wade Park.
Ashraf has used all of his wisdom to take 32 wickets across all grades throughout 2012-13 and is hoping to continue his red-hot form when he tackles Kinross’ teenage batting line-up in the final Royal Hotel Cup pool game of the summer.
It’s the master versus the apprentice, and Ashraf is confident he can use his experience to his advantage tonight.
“I’m getting close to my retirement, I guess, but I love cricket and I’ve been playing since I was four or five, so there’s 34 years of experience behind me,” Ashraf said.
“I enjoy the socialising, meeting lots of new friends and I’m a bit competitive as well.”
Along with a bag full of wickets, Ashraf’s competitive edge has landed him three five-wicket hauls this summer.
His best of 5-32 came in his top grade debut with CYMS against Cavaliers on January 19.
But for all his work with the ball, Ashraf is determined to prove his not a one trick pony and insists his batting is better than the number 11 position he has occupied throughout the summer.
“I would like to think of myself as an all-rounder, but my (second grade) captain doesn’t think so,” Ashraf laughed.
“But we have a very strong batting line-up ... I’ve got no complaints.”
Moving to Orange in 2008, the tall seamer played with Waratahs for three seasons but the club failed to find the numbers for a first or second grade side in 2011-12 and Ashraf moved across to CYMS for the next season.
“It was a very good step,” he said.
“The CYMS is a fantastic club and they’re very supportive of the players. They’ve looked after me from day one.”
He was hoping to repay the show of faith with a strong performance with the ball against Kinross, with the winner of the final Pool B match-up earning a berth in the semi-final against Blayney.
“It’s quite exciting. It’ll be a good challenge,” he said.
“I’d like to do well for my club and get some wickets, and if I can’t do that at least shut the runs down.
“I haven’t played much against their first team but I’ve heard they have good, exciting young players. It’ll be a good contest.”
Kinross tackle CYMS from 6.30pm tonight at Wade Park.