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
Andrew Renshaw
09-Nov-2000
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."