Esa Gangat in action.

Photo: Supplied Credit: SYSTEM

His Bangladesh visit was an invaluable experience for the Pearson High cricketer, Esa Gangat.

Gangat returned to Gqeberha last week after a tour of five matches as a member of the South African u/19 squad.

He is the first player from Pearson to have represented the national u/19 side.

Bangladesh u/19 beat the visitors 3–2 in a closely contested series between July 6 and 17.

Gangat, still u/17 and in Grade 11, had the opportunity to play in two matches. The left-arm spinner did very well, and also caught the eye with his excellent fielding.

He bowled 15 overs for 1/58, and his economy rate of 3.86 was among the best in the series.

Gangat has gained a lot of confidence by playing well in sub-continent conditions. He also had the chance to play at international level, albeit age-group cricket.

The u/19 Men’s World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka next year and Gangat should be in the South African team.

It was also a plus for Gangat that the former Proteas spinner, Paul Adams, was part of the SA u/19 set-up as a consultant. His experience as an international spinner, who played regularly on the sub-continent, was of immense value to Gangat.

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