Star Glenelg cricketer Isaac Higgins reaches U19 World Cup knockouts with Australia

A teenage cricketing sensation has impressed for Australia in the bright lights but has suffered a Covid-19 scare ahead of his young career’s biggest game.

A Glenelg Cricket Club teenager has made the Under-19 World Cup quarterfinals in the West Indies but is in doubt for the clash after testing positive for Covid-19.

Isaac Higgins has been dominant at domestic level for both Glenelg and South Australia so far this season, averaging 69.5 runs at A Grade level for the Seahorses.

Australia finished the group stage with two wins against Scotland and home team West Indies and a loss to Sri Lanka, with the 19-year-old chipping in handily with the bat and performing at a high level in the field.

Higgins said there were doubts over his availability for Friday’s quarterfinal against Pakistan.

Glenelg’s Isaac Higgins has been representing Australia in the Under-19 World Cup but is in doubt for Friday’s quarterfinal clash. Picture: Supplied

“Unfortunately with Covid at the moment I doubt I’ll be involved but I’ll still be supporting the boys and hopefully available if we make the final four,” Higgins said.

Despite strong form domestically, the young star said his World Cup selection came as a surprise.

“It was definitely a bit of a shock when I got the call and there was a big feeling of excitement and relief as well,” Higgins said.

“It’s been a great experience.

“Seeing the talent from Australia and also other countries. It’s given me some understanding that if I want to be successful on this stage I’m going to need to take my game to another level.”

Higgins has been a star at the crease for Glenelg this season and was selected for Australia after multiple impressive performances. Picture: Dean Martin

Higgins has experienced highs and lows with the bat in the tournament, but has shown glimpses of what he can do with the ball and also in the field.

He believed becoming accustomed to the West Indies conditions would be key to his success in upcoming fixtures.

“I’ve been disappointed with my performances so far because I haven’t contributed with the bat as well as I would have liked,” Higgins said.

“The conditions are fairly foreign, it’s much more spin dominant here, so I’m probably struggling a bit to adapt but I’m just trying to play strong in other aspects of the game and get around my teammates.”

Higgins celebrates a wicket for Australia. He has made up for inconsistent batting with handy bowling and reliable fielding. Picture: Supplied

Despite his struggles and likely omission due to Covid, Higgins said the team was in a strong position to go all the way and has been motivated by the support back home.

“We’ve received plenty of support from friends, family and teammates which has helped being so far away from home in a pretty intimidating environment. To know so many people care and believe in me has definitely helped,” he said.

“The team is a very tight unit at the moment with the travel we’ve had to do together and after getting out of the group stage I definitely think we can go all the way.”