Jason Sangha passes on key lessons to Illawarra children

A child among men, a 13-year-old Sangha would often stand in fear as bowlers old enough to be his father steamed in from the other end determined to inflict pain on the young batsman.

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It was an intimidating experience, but it's one he feels has served him well.

Particularly when now, 21-years-old, the batsman was grouped with Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for the duration of the NSW Blues pre-season.

"They're both daunting experiences," Sangha said. "Facing the best in the world is always a fun challenge and being grouped with Josh, Mitch and Steve Smith, I learnt so much talking to those guys.

"Every day I was facing those guys in the nets and getting more comfortable being uncomfortable.

"The challenge for me now is applying those lessons in games."

A prodigious talent who was signed by the Blues at just 16-years-old, Sangha spent Tuesday passing on tips and words of advice to the Illawarra's junior cricketers as part of the Cricket NSW Country Blitz.

The process has gone virtual this year, with the batsman and emerging bowler Liam Hatcher participating in a series of video hook ups with schools and clubs across the region.

Sangha's main message for the youngsters?

"There really is no secret to success. If you're trying to play cricket at a high level, you have to put in the hours and do the work."