Leicestershire hope Jigar Naik will be a role model for the local Asian community. The offspinner, 22, became the first Leicester-born Asian to represent the county.

“We hope it shows to the local community that, if you are good enough, you will get a chance,” says Phil Whitticase, Leicestershire’s head coach. Naik, who progressed from Kibworth and Billesdon, was given his chance after consistent performances in the 2nd XI.

“He gets the ball to pick up pace off the pitch and he extracts bounce and turn,” Whitticase says. “He’s at Loughborough University and hopefully will get more firstclass exposure with them next season.” Whitticase is already working with a promising batch of Leicestershire-born Asians in the county’s academy, notably Ramandeep Singh Ghuman, a 12-year-old legspinner, and Shiv Thakor, a powerfully built 13-yearold batsman.

Paul Bolton, The Wisden Cricketer