by Abhai SawkarDuring the quadrangular series leading up to this year’s Under-19 World Cup, there was a memorable moment of brilliance that went viral - Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Dane Schadendorf put together an acrobatic effort and stumped New Zealand’s Beckham Wheeler-Greenall. The batsman swung and missed a delivery from left-arm spinner Tadiwanashe Nyangani, and the ball was heading down leg. Schadendorf dived full length, and instantaneously flicked the ball onto the stumps. It was unbelievable marksmanship in the heat of the moment, and it was a glimpse of his sumptuous deftness. Schadendorf also smashed a 74-ball 81 in a practice game against India. Zimbabwe were chasing 296 and eventually came up short by 23, but his knock gave one of the prime favorites a run for their money. For starters, Schadendorf admires one of the best keeper-batsmen of the 2000s, who revolutionized the positive approach with the bat in Test cricket as well as the adept glovework, too. “Adam Gilchrist is definitely one of my role models,” said Schadendorf. “Not only because of his keeping, but also because of his aggressive batting style.” The 17-year-old cherishes his time during the U19WC, and it was in many ways a rigorous test. The Zimbabweans progressed to the plate group’s semifinals and eventually placed 11th overall. More importantly, the tournament provided priceless nuggets of learning experiences throughout. “I think the U19 World Cup gave me a sense of how hard you have to work to compete with the best at youth level and if you put in the hard yards you will be rewarded. Spending time with the team was really good, we’re all good mates and that made the tour that much better.” Schadendorf has always been passionate about his cricket; his brother Jayden’s early successes have been a key source of motivation. From school level to age-group national level, young Dane has checked all the boxes. Having excelled for each team he played for, Schadendorf would fittingly earn the call-up for this year’s U19WC. “I started playing cricket because of my brother [Jayden] first at Ruzawi Junior School and I made the Zimbabwe U14 team. After that, I played at St. John’s college in Harare, where I made the 1st XI in Form 2 and the non-traveling reserves for the Under-19 Cup in Form 3 and then finally, I made the World Cup squad in Form 4.” In late February, soon after the World Cup finished, Schadendorf relocated to England in order to further his cricketing aspirations. He’s signed up for Nottinghamshire CCC for the next two seasons, and has been enjoying his stay. As far as international cricket and playing for Zimbabwe is concerned, it’s still early on for Schadendorf, who’s exploring his options. He’s always ready to learn and add to his skillset, and the early experiences have been treating him well thus far. “I'm playing for Nottingham Academy right now and hopefully the 2nd XI when the virus calms down. I’m liking England so far and the team is awesome so the only real difference is the facilities. At this point in time I’m not too sure, I’m quite young so I’m still open to a lot of things and the opportunities coming my way.” The lockdown measures are still in effect in the UK, and there’s been a projected return of cricket around the beginning of August. At the moment, it’s a test of resourcefulness for Schadendorf and he’s managing well with body weight exercises for the time being. “I’m working out everyday, I haven’t got any gym equipment so I’m keeping myself going with pushups, pull-ups and that sort of thing.” It’s been a promising start for the rising youngster - county cricket comes with its challenges but there are plenty of rewarding experiences in store. Athleticism behind the stumps and a free-wheeling demeanor with the bat are Schadendorf’s strong areas. With a U19 World Cup under his belt, the world is his oyster and he’s determined to capitalize on the situation at hand.
1 Comment
Pratik
7/5/2020 11:10:19 pm
Great read!
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