Ambidextrous teen spin bowler targets international career with UAE

So long is the queue of talented young left-arm spinners vying for the attention of the UAE selectors, having something extra to help stand out from the crowd is handy.

Fair to say, what Harsh Desai has to offer is unique. As well as bowling left arm orthodox, he can do exactly the same with his right arm.

The 17-year-old all-rounder from Sharjah – who is also a useful late middle-order batter - is not naturally ambidextrous, but discovered his remarkable skill by chance while messing around at nets five years ago.

“My mum used to tell me that when I was small I could write with my left hand as well, but I took to being right handed,” said Desai, who bats right handed.

“When I was at my old academy, Desert Cubs, in 2018 we were having fun at nets and I just started bowling with my left arm.

“My coach saw it and realised it was pretty good and could be something I could pursue. That is where it started, and it proved to be something big.

“Even if you are natural at something, you need to work at it a lot. I still need to continuously bowl to be in that touch with my left arm.

“I don’t count how many balls I bowl, but mostly I focus on my left arm. Let’s say if I train for an hour bowling with my left arm, counter to that will be only half an hour with my right arm.”

Harsh Desai bowling with his right arm. Photo: Sharjah Cricket

Such was his aptitude for his new skill, Desai took three wickets in successive deliveries when he first attempted bowling with his left arm in a match.

“Everybody on my team discovered I could do it the same time as me, that day at nets,” he said.

“The first time I did it in a match was against Zayed Academy for Desert Cubs. I actually took a hat-trick the first time I bowled in a game with my