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Teenager in line to be Thunder's youngest

3 minute read

Legspinner Tanveer Sangha will back himself to throw the ball up against the best players in the world if he becomes Sydney Thunder's youngest men's player.

Teenage legspinner Tanveer Sangha insists becoming Sydney Thunder's youngest ever male player wouldn't faze him if he debuts next month.

The 17-year-old was on Thursday confirmed as a new two-year signing at the club, after being one of their Big Bash League development players last year.

A member of Australia's under-19s squad when aged just 16, Sangha has been a highly touted prospect from Sydney in recent years.

If he was to debut against Brisbane in the club's season opener next month, he would be aged 18 years and 21 days, overtaking Jake Doran as the club's youngest ever player.

But he says regardless of the opponent, he'll be prepared to play aggressive cricket in tossing the ball up to take wickets.

"You have to be mentally tough and keep throwing it up there," Sangha told AAP.

"They (the batsmen) are not machines. They're not going to hit you for six every ball perfectly.

"They are human as well. They're allowed to make mistakes.

"So over the years I've tried to just trust my ability and believe in myself that I can keep bowling good balls and keep trusting it."

Sangha only began bowling leg spin at age 13, and went from being picked in his first district representative team to playing for an Australian under-16s side in one year.

He would also only be a tick older than Mujeeb Ur Rahman was when he made history last year as the BBL's youngest ever player at age 17.

"Just thinking right now, if I played Big Bash. The crowd, the venue and all the international stars, it would be unreal," Sangha, who is no relation to teammate Jason, said.

"No matter how young, it would be amazing to have the experience of what professional cricket is all about."

Despite his age, Thunder coach Shane Bond would also have no hesitation playing Sangha, after they lost front-line legspinner Fawah Ahmed to Perth.

"It was a natural progression to promote him," Bond said.

"When it comes to Tanveer's skill and ability, I have no problems thinking he can take the step up and play successfully in the Big Bash League.

"It's not just his talent, it's also his temperament and cricket brain. Tanveer has all the elements we want."

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