Tara Murray
The Chappells’, Waughs’ and Lees’ have all pulled on the green and gold together, could the Nadeems’ be next?
The Al-Taqwa College brothers recently lived a childhood dream both playing in the same Vic Metro team at the under-17 national championships.
Aiman is the oldest of the two brothers with Aayan, 11 months younger.
Both have played cricket since they were young and now play for Footscray in Victorian Premier Cricket.
Aiman said he had been pretty confident of making the under-17 team this year. Nadeem finished the tournament with 244 at an average of 48, including making a 100.
He was named in the team of the tournament, much to his shock.
“It was pretty fun,” he said. “I thought I had a good chance to make the state side.
“All the hard work in premier cricket and with my coaches, and all the training and fitness sessions paid off.
“I didn’t know I was going to perform that well.”
Joining Aiman in the squad was Aayan, despite being a bottom-age player. He played in all six games, including opening the batting alongside his brother in two of those games. He scored 91 in one of those games.
Aiman said it didn’t feel any different from normal, with the pair having opened the batting together at Footscray.
For Aayan, it’s not something that he thought would have happened.
“I got picked as a bowler,” he said. “To get the opportunity to open for Victoria is something I didn’t think would happen.
“I’ve been opening in premier cricket for the last two years. I see myself more as a batter and work more on my batting than bowling.”
Aayan said being a bottom age player he was just happy to be part of the squad and have the opportunity to learn from the best players in the country.
He said he thought he would have more of a chance making the squad next year, when Aiman would be in under-19s.
Both brothers said playing for Australia was their dream with Aayan saying it would be cool to play together like the Waugh twins, Steve and Mark, did.
Aiman, who made his premier cricket second XI debut last round, has his eyes focused on representative cricket at the under-19 level.
“I want to make the Victorian under-19 team first and play first XI cricket for my local club,” he said.
“I want to make the Australian under-19, but I need to make the state team first.”
Aayan, who made his second XI debut on the weekend, said, “right now I want to try and help the thirds [at Footscray] as far as we can in finals.
“I want to go back and work hard and hopefully have another go at the Victorian under-17s.”
Al-Taqwa College principal Omar Hallak said the school couldn’t be prouder of the boys.
“We will support them as they pursue their cricketing dreams, and wish them every success as they rise up the representative ladder.”
