UP and coming Cricket star Atul Sachdeva has got the new season off to a flying start, being picked for the under-19 England squad.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Fulwood, was snapped up by Leicestershire County Cricket Club last year after impressing the crowds at Preston Cricket Club, will play in a match against the Northamptonshire second string.

There is already speculation that Atul, an ex-Lancaster Grammar School pupil, may find himself in the summer under-19 squad after performing well in a tour in Holland last year.

Decent leg-spinners are hard to come by and, with Atul specialising in that role, with a bit of luck, a successful career may soon follow.

Jim Birkenshaw, from Leicestershire County Cricket Club, said; "We are delighted that he is doing so well at the moment.

"He is with us for the summer and we are hoping for good things from him."

Atul was awarded a summer contract with the club last year so he can fit his cricket in around his academic work.

The teenager is currently studying to become a doctor at university, so he can follow in his father's footsteps.

And despite his gruelling cricket schedule, the teenager is having no problems keeping up to date with his coursework, which is delighting his tutors and his family.

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