Prodigy Ali is one for the future (From Gazette Series)

Prodigy Ali is one for the future

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CCC have pulled off what may prove to be one of the most influential signings this year by recruiting England 'A' batsman Kadeer Ali.

The deal, which was concluded last week, represents an interesting move by the county, with many cricket observers certain that the youngster has bags of potential and a lot more to offer having briefly impressed in the county game this year.

Ali, 21, has arrived from Worcestershire and was once considered to be the 'next big thing' at New Road having been a virtual run machine during his climb through the club's youth system.

Indeed, Moseley-born Ali was lined up to open the batting for Worcestershire for the 2004 season and seemed to be set up for great success at the club. However, an unfortunate elbow injury saw him lose his chance at the start of the campaign and he would go on to miss much of the first half of the season.

This allowed fellow hopeful Stephen Moore a chance in the side, and Moore went on to score more than 1,000 first-class runs in his first full season and thus limit Ali's first team chances at the top of the order.

Despite this, Gloucestershire are expecting much from Ali, who has played for England's U19s team and toured Sri Lanka with the England 'A' team.

A right-hand bat and occasional leg-breaker in the bowling department, he is the cousin of Worcestershire and England paceman Kabir Ali.

He will also rejoin former Worcestershire team-mate Phil Weston at Bristol following the latter's switch to Gloucestershire two years ago.

Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne pinpointed the youngster's natural talent with the bat as one of the key reasons behind the signing. He said: "I am excited by having Kadeer Ali in my squad. He has great talent and I intend to create an environment in which he can exploit fully his talent.

"It is important that we continue to develop the squad and manage the transition to the fixture team and he is a very welcome addition."

Chief Executive Tom Richardson has underlined the potential factor and added: "Kadeer Ali has huge potential. He is only 21 and although we are looking very much to be the future in signing him, we believe firmly he can also make an immediate impact."

On joining the club last week, an excited Ali also had plenty to say, and explained: "I am delighted to be joining a club with such an impressive record and it will no doubt help my cricketing aspirations.

"Obviously, it is sad to be leaving Worcestershire after five years but I feel it is now time for me to move on.

"I would like to thank everyone at Worcestershire for all the help they have given me in establishing myself as a first class cricketer."