Players learning the Aussie way

Four young Hampshire cricketers are spending the winter in Perth, Western Australia, taking part in a new Off-Season Training Programme developed and run by Auscricket Management, a specialist business set up by former Hampshire batsman Paul Terry.

The four ­ Alex and Zac Morris, Iain Brunnschweiler and James Adams ­ were awarded their places by Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett. Funds have been released for the club to pay for the acclaimed programme following generous sponsorship towards this year¹s series of Members¹ Newsletters by Chase Sports Ltd, Acclaim Entertainment and Powells Shopfitting Ltd.

Paul Terry has spent many winters playing and training in Perth and now lives there with his young family. He said: "It has long been acknowledged that the Australian cricketer matures far quicker than his English counterpart. Their young players are exposed to hard cricket involving state and international cricketers at a much earlier age".

"I envisage that by coming to Perth a young player, for whom a county club invests a great deal of time and money, will have the process of developing into a first-class cricketer speeded up by being exposed to the Australian way."

The comprehensive programme, which has the full backing of county coach Jimmy Cook, runs from October until March and will allow the players to benefit from playing regular competitive District or League cricket as well as receiving specialist batting, bowling and wicket-keeping coaching. Auscricket Management has assembled a top-class coaching team and is also providing experts in fitness, sports psychology and nutrition to further enhance the development of the Hampshire players.

Australians and Englishmen alike have supported this initiative. Shane Warne commented: "Anything that will expose young cricketers to top grade cricket and excellent coaching must help them. It sounds like a great opportunity for someone who wishes to advance their cricket career." "The programme has the backing of skipper Robin Smith, who said: ³I am convinced this is a great idea for any player who has any ambitions to improve his cricket and further his cricketing career."