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The English players being trained at the MRF Pace Academy feel the experience will help acquaint them with match conditions in the sub-continent
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PHOTO: R. RAGU
ON DIFFERENT TURF The English players at a practice session
A group of English cricketers is in the city, as part of the England Performance Programme (EPP), to analyse the game of the English squad in Sri Lanka, and get closer to becoming better players of spin in the sub-continent. Chris Tremlett and Chris Schofield are part of the group of youngsters training at the MRF Pace Academy. They had earlier undergone intensive training and taken part in individual development programmes at Mohali.
Practice matches against Indian and Sri Lankan youngsters are part of the programme, the idea being to get the players acquainted with the match conditions. Should any member of the England national squad suffer injuries, the replacement would have had sufficient match-practice before flying to Sri Lanka.
“We’ve done this for the last couple of years. This programme gives the youngsters an opportunity in train in the sub-continent. It’s too cold at this time of year to practise in the U.K., so we chose India because the climate is warmer and we need to have replacements who are ready to fly to Sri Lanka, should the need arise,” said David Graveney, Chairman of Selectors (England). “The facilities here (at the MRF Pace Foundation) are very good. The programme is well-organised.”
The “competition phase”, as it’s called, involves fitness, techniques and game-planning strategies, besides match practice. There’s a special focus on nutrition and, therefore, the players are sufficiently hydrated to cope with the city’s humid climate. The squad’s progress is monitored by Kevin Shine, Ashley Giles and Martyn Moxon.
“We’ve been to Australia in the past for a similar programme. It’s good for cricket and for the individuals to come here and experience different conditions and cultures. There are a few up and coming players in the squad, and what they do in the practice matches will be important. The players will only get better with the experience,” said Graveney.
Tim Ambrose, captain of the EPP, was pleased with the progress so far. “Before coming to Chennai, we had a fantastic few weeks in Mohali. We worked extremely hard and really focussed on developing our game. We’ve now got to turn our attention towards match-preparation and put into practice everything we’ve been doing. We’re privileged to work with coaches of the calibre of Kevin, Ashley and Martyn and the advice they have given is invaluable.”
NANDITA SRIDHAR
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