Phagura's '˜proper wickets' gain him proper recognition

A seam-bowling all-rounder who knocked his opponents for six has been named our Player of the Month, in association with Leamington solicitors Blythe Liggins.
Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of Leamington solicitors Blythe Liggins, and Paul Smith, receiving the balls on behalf of Kenilworth Wardens, where he is head of cricket.Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of Leamington solicitors Blythe Liggins, and Paul Smith, receiving the balls on behalf of Kenilworth Wardens, where he is head of cricket.
Richard Thornton, joint senior partner of Leamington solicitors Blythe Liggins, and Paul Smith, receiving the balls on behalf of Kenilworth Wardens, where he is head of cricket.

Each month, we celebrate the deeds of our cricketers, with the winner being presented with a box of six new cricket balls for their club, provided by Blythe Liggins.

Brinder Phagura, 20, was playing for Kenilworth Wardens when he turned in a hugely impressive performance with the new ball, taking six for 38 from 15 overs against Knowle & Dorridge in the sides’ Birmingham and District League Premier Division clash.

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From Great Barr, Phagura has come through Warwickshire age groups while playing his club cricket for West Bromwich.

Brinder PhaguraBrinder Phagura
Brinder Phagura

He moved to Kenilworth Wardens at the start of this season and is thriving in his new surrounds, having so far taken 31 wickets at an average of just over 12.

He also averages nearly 20 with the bat, having scored more than 150 runs.

It was his performance against Knowle & Dorridge, however, which has seen him crowned our cricketer of the month.

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In a match from which Wardens claimed a winning draw, having restricted their opponents to 129 for nine chasing 215 for victory, Phagura bowled one of his victims, had two nicking off, one caught in front of the bat and two lbw.

Brinder PhaguraBrinder Phagura
Brinder Phagura

He said: “I’ve been opening the bowling and taking wickets fairly regularly but Knowle & Dorridge was my stand-out performance.

“Of the six I took, five were ‘proper wickets’ which I enjoyed.

“I only joined Wardens this season and I’m really enjoying it - probably more than I thought I would if I’m honest.

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I live near West Bromwich, so it’s a 25-mile trip each week but it’s good.

“They are a great guys and we’re playing at a good standard.”

The all-rounder has also been playing Minor Counties cricket for Staffordshire and is hoping to build on a promising showing so far this season.

“Being part of the Staffordshire set-up has made me enjoy me cricket more than I’ve ever done and has helped me turn in some performances which have helped contribute to a winning team, so hopefully I can build on a good season.”

A spokesman for Blythe Liggins said: “Congratulations to Brinder. He is obviously a talented young cricketer and we’re delighted to present him with his prize.”