Frank Tyson - Develop The Kids, The Seniors Will Look After Themselves (9 Nov 1996)

9 November 1996

Tyson - Develop The Kids, The Seniors Will Look After Themselves

Former English fast bowling great Frank Tyson, now an eminent coach, on Saturday urged Indian cricket authorities to concentrate on the development of under-12 and under-14 players, in order to build a broader pyramid of cricket talent in the country.

Speaking at a news conference organised by the ELF-Vengsarkar Cricket Academy in Bombay, Tyson said that modern science had now proved beyond doubt that a youngster`s multi-skill forms shape between the ages of 12 and 14. "That is the time to inculcate right habits, later it becomes hard to change any habits they may have already formed," Tyson said.

He advised Indian coaches to identify talent at the tender age, so that they can express individuality, drive, self-esteem and responsibility. "And besides, the Indian cricketer is less aggressive than others because they accept coaching without understanding the rationale behind them," Tyson said.

The pace ace felt that coaching itself was changing in character. And so too was the art of fast bowling. "Earlier, it was felt that the best bowlers were the ones who bowled side on. Now, some of the really good bowlers bowl chest on," Tyson pointed out by way of example.

Sharing BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur`s concern for the lack of physical conditioning among Indian cricketers, he said that skill alone wouldn`t get a player very far today. "It has to be combined with fitness," Tyson said.

The famous speedster felt that ELF-Vengsarkar was moving in the right direction, concentrating on developing young talent under the aegis of former Test star Dilip Vengsarkar with financial help from the French petroleum firm. "Within a couple of years, this academy should be throwing up skilled cricketers for the national youth and senior sides," Tyson felt.

Source :: Rediff On The NeT (https://www.rediff.co.in)