CRICKET

Additionally, his call-up to Middlesex County Academy last year further propels him towards his goal, aiming to receive a professional contract in the near future. His victory in the ECB County Cup in 2022 is further encouragement, with his Middlesex team beating other English counties to the trophy. Their victory was made sweeter by a thrilling final win over Surrey. Although Sharma finished wicketless in the final, he made crucial contributions with the ball throughout the knockout stages, picking up five dismissals – the fifth most overall.

Many reading this may have seen his stunning wicket that went viral in 2022. Sharma’s debut for the Sunbury First XI produced fireworks! Four overs into his opening spell, he produced an unforgettable moment of magic. Sharma’s thought process helped him produce one of his best ever balls, reflecting on this by saying: "I had bowled a couple of outswingers to the batsman before, so I thought he’d instinctively set himself up for a leave, if I brought one back in, he might leave one onto his stumps."

And that’s exactly what happened. The ball swung in by at least a metre, sending the off stump flying, giving Sharma his maiden wicket, as "everyone started screaming." Days passed, and whilst preparing for a separate game, Sharma opened his social media to find that popular cricket account, ESPNCricInfo had posted his delivery onto their pages, giving Sharma the publicity that could catalyse his career.

However, Sharma’s humility and professionalism is particularly striking, stating that "focusing too much on becoming known, is not the best way to go." His Hampton career is equally impressive, with Sharma scoring countless centuries, breaking into the First XI last year. Sharma showed appreciation from the support offered by the School, praising the expert advice of Mr Harrison and Mr Banerjee and acknowledging training with the First XI as being a "good environment to be around."

Sharma played a pivotal role in Hampton’s victory over RGS Guildford in 2019, which saw us come out on top after a super over, in which Sharma batted and bowled to carry Hampton over the line in the season finale.

However, Sharma’s greatest achievement for Hampton was his score of 132 against Tiffin last year. Coming to the crease, Hampton had collapsed to 15-3 early on. Nonetheless, Sharma’s relentlessness and determination, helped him achieve his career highlight, winning the game in superb style.

Elsewhere, Sharma shared his excitement to be visiting Desert Springs cricket facility in Spain, with Middlesex later this year. Sharma trains over five times a week for Middlesex alone - an incredibly hectic schedule to say the least!

Nonetheless, his positive approach is what makes him a top-level cricketer. Sharma is also juggling four A Levels, adding more weight to his already busy schedule. On the contrary, Sharma has adapted his thinking to view cricket as free time, and to not dwell on the necessary sacrifices to continue towards his goal. This professional mindset makes Sharma’s prospects boundless, and his skillset is irrefutably good enough to accompany this.

He summed up his humility and ambition in just six words: "a lot of work to go." Although he commented on his "pride for previous achievements" it is refreshing to see his grounded, yet optimistic approach to a future cricketing career, and I believe that he has a very promising future ahead of him.

MICHAEL TIMBS OH (2010)

Michael Timbs' star-studded career has seen him work with some of the greatest footballers to grace the pitch. He caught up with HSC reporter Omer Olcer.