Shropshire school student targets professional cricket career after fulfilling World Cup dreams

A Shropshire school student has set his sights on becoming the next cricketing star to emerge from the county after success on the international stage.

Shrewsbury School student Freddie Ogilby recently represented Ireland at the Under-19s Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

He finished the tournament as Ireland’s second-leading run scorer, with highlights including 73 against Japan and 49 against Australia.

The 18-year-old joins former Shrewsbury School pupils, including Izzy Wong, James Taylor and Ed Barnard, in representing their country on the international stage - something he is immensely proud of.

“It was definitely the aim that I had in mind for a long time, so for it to finally happen, to get the email was amazing,” said Ogilby.

“Just being able to step out onto the pitch in the Ireland jersey means a lot. It has always been the aim since I was young. It was a dream come true.

“I feel like the World Cup has cemented the fact that I want to play professional cricket, that’s my aim. It will just make me work harder towards that aim.”

The wicketkeeper-batsman has put in hours of work every day at Shrewsbury School since joining in the third form.

While competing at the World Cup, the 18-year-old also balanced his A-level studies, working closely with teachers back in Shropshire to stay on track academically.

He was quick to thank those at the school for their support, including cricket professional Adam Shantry, who previously played for Shropshire and Warwickshire.

“I don’t think I would be here without Shrewsbury School,” Ogilby added

“I come into the cricket centre every day. I have played cricket every day for the past five years.

“Without having the opportunity to be here, I would not be half the cricketer that I am.”

Ogilby has already faced high-level opposition through school, club, county and international cricket - but says the World Cup provided a step up.

“The standards were different, I found it a lot more intense,” he said.

“Bowlers were running in harder, batsmen hitting it further, you could tell you were playing against the best cricketers in the world.

“The standard was good, but it was seriously fun at the same time. Getting to play against some of the best cricketers in the world, face some quick bowling. I am up for the challenge, I loved it.”