Promising Indian players completing specialist coaching in Adelaide

Three talented Indian cricketers are into the final phase of training at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Adelaide as part of the Border-Gavaskar scholarship programme.

Vinayak Mane, Parthiv Patel and Deepak Chougle from the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore are into their sixth week of specialist coaching under former Australian wicket-keeper-batsman Wayne Phillips.

"I believe these three young men will leave Australia better cricketers. I think the scholarship programme is a great initiative that can only be for the good of the game, given that it provides young players with the opportunity to hone their skills in foreign conditions," Phillips said.

The programme is funded by the Australia-India Council (AIC), which has made a significant contribution to the ties between the two nations. In addition to the scholarships, AIC has also contributed to the production costs of the modernised Border-Gavaskar Trophy won by India after the thrilling Test series in March this year.

"AIC is delighted that this scholarship programme is now in its second term, helping to strengthen the sporting links between Australia and India. It is an important part of AIC's programme of promoting understanding and co-operation between the two countries through projects and exchanges, including sport," AIC Chairman Michael Abbott said.

Last year's batch of scholarship holders included India's new Test opener Shiv Sunder Das.