Juan Henri

Juan Henri
Nationality: Portugal
Position: Bowler
Date of Birth: 1996-08-21 Age: 28

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Juan Henri's journey from the picturesque landscapes of Portugal to the international cricketing arena is a tale of passion and persistence. Born on 21st August 1996, in a country not traditionally known for cricket, Juan's early fascination with the game was sparked by watching highlights of legendary bowlers on late-night sports shows. Despite the lack of resources and structured cricketing infrastructure in Portugal, Juan's sheer determination saw him practising in makeshift nets with an old cricket ball gifted by an uncle.

His breakthrough came when a local tournament attracted the attention of scouts from across Europe. Juan's ability to consistently bowl at a lively pace with sharp swing made him an exciting prospect. By the age of 18, Juan had earned a place in a minor county cricket club in the UK. This shift was a catalyst in honing his raw talent into refined skill, eventually leading to his professional debut in 2017 with Leicestershire in the County Championship.

Juan’s adaptability and versatility have been his standout traits, making him not just a bowler of repute but also a handy lower-order batsman. His bowling technique includes a smooth, rhythmic run-up culminating in a deceptive delivery that often catches batsmen off guard. His ability to craft innings under pressure, switching from aggressive power-hitting to stonewall defence, has saved his team on numerous occasions.

Perhaps one of Juan's most notable performances came under the floodlights of a T20 Blast semi-final in 2021, where he scalped 5 wickets for just 19 runs, leading his team to the finals. His delivery of a precise, unplayable yorker to dismiss their arch-rivals’ star batsman was one for the ages, intensifying the rivalry between the two clubs.

Throughout his illustrious career, Juan has been part of several championship-winning sides, with his bowling figures consistently making headlines. His best bowling figures of 7 for 45 in a first-class match against Derbyshire speak volumes of his ability to dismantle batting line-ups.

Off the field, Juan has been pivotal in promoting cricket across non-traditional regions, inspiring numerous young athletes. His impact is not just measured in wickets and runs, but in the hearts of so many inspired by his journey from Lisbon's streets to cricketing fame. Despite his accomplishments, Juan remains humble, continuously striving to master his craft and leave a lasting legacy in the cricketing world.