We caught up with Surrey’s Ralphie Albert and Alex French ahead of tomorrow’s ICC U19 World Cup Final against India in Harare.
The duo have both played vital roles for the Young Lions in the Under-19 World Cup and come into the final without losing a game. They concluded their final training session this afternoon, ahead of tomorrow’s showdown against India at Harare Sports Club.
Albert has been an ever-present in the eleven and has been a standout amidst a formidable bowling attack, performing with well with Nottinghamshire spinner Farhan Ahmed.
“My partnership with Farhan has been good. It’s nice to have him at the other end – bowling dots and getting wickets at the same time” the left-armer explained by the boundary’s edge.
“On these pitches as well – we know it’s going to be pretty flat, so it’s about varying your pace and keeping the stumps in play. So it’s gone well.”
Having scored an unbeaten half century and taken three wickets in a warmup match against New Zealand, the 18-year-old has maintained a hot run of form. 10 wickets in the tournament (second highest for England) and some valuable contributions with the bat has made him a mainstay in the tightly knit side.
“We’ve been together for a long period of time… From the West Indies (tour last November) we’ve moulded well as a group. Everyone knows everyone’s skills and what they’re trying to execute.”
French has also performed a key role for the team, speaking to his remarkable adaptability under pressure. He’s played two games so far in the competition, including Tuesday’s semi-final against Australia.
When quizzed on how he has adapted to coming into the side, French said: “I’m just making sure I rest well – always bowling between games to make sure I’m feeling good.
“Whenever I’ve needed to play, I’ve felt strong bowling.”
Impressive figures of 1/12 in six overs against the tournament hosts, Zimbabwe, displayed his accuracy and skill with the new ball in hand – and his role in England’s semi-final cannot be understated. Tasked with bowling to an explosive Australian top order, French was quick to deliver the goods, trapping the dangerous will Malajczuk LBW, with an inch-perfect yorker in his second over.
Tuesday’s semi-final in Bulawayo was a well fought encounter between the historic rivals, with the Young Lions coming out on top.
Albert, who took two wickets that game, was charged with bowling near the death to a rampant Australian captain – and relished the challenge: “It got a bit tight and nervous bowling to Ollie Peake at the end, but it was fun bowling to him.”
Both Albert and French first stepped out for Surrey in the Metro Bank One Day Cup last summer, with Ralphie later going on to perform solidly on his County Championship debut in the win at Hampshire.
He credits his time with the Surrey Second XI – his work with fellow left-arm spinner, Yousif Majid – in developing the necessary skills to perform in the first team.
“Obviously, I played a lot in the 2s last year with Yousef and in the One Day Cup he was very helpful. He’s a funny character and Batts (Gareth Batty) has been good with me as well – it’s been great.”
For Alex, one particular Surrey seamer provides a similar model to work with: “Matt Fisher has been helpful for me since I joined. Everyone’s got individual actions so it’s different for everyone, but advice before a game and what you can do to prepare and feel good has helped me a lot.”
And for both youngsters, time spent around the senior players at the Kia Oval has proved invaluable, as French was keen to note.
“I’ve learnt loads, really. Being around that group is obviously very helpful. Even if you’re not playing in the game, just seeing how they go about it and what they do to prepare before a game is great. So, they’ve helped me and Ralphie quite a lot.”
With a World Cup Final less than 24-hours away, the duo – who have roomed together throughout the campaign – are excited to get out there in an effort to win the Under-19s’ first World Cup since 1998.
“It would be very special to beat India in itself, but to do that in a final would be brilliant. Just looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we will pull through”, said French – after a good training session under the sun.
Albert shares a similar sentiment: “Buzzing to be in the final, and just excited to execute our skills on the big stage and hopefully go one better than they did in 2022.”
Everyone at the Club wishes the pair the best ahead of tomorrow’s final. You can catch all the action on Sky Sports Cricket or on BBC Radio 5Live Extra with Mark Church on commentary duty.
