We are here to learn, says Tim Boon

When the England Under-19 team currently touring India was picked in mid September and early October, they were examined technically and physically, with individual programmes for each player. The motive of the programme was to have a roll over system so that at least six of the current players can be around for the next World Cup. The programme covered improving physical conditioning, stamina and agility of the players.

The England team won the inaugural Under-19 World Cup in South Africa in 1998. They are now up against the current World Cup champions, India for three `Tests' and equal number of One-Day matches. The objective of the tourists is to be able to prepare three or four boys for the senior Test team in the future, irrespective of the results of this tour, according to coach Tim Boon.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Sunday, Boon said the boys were excited about the Indian tour and its events so far. He added, "It's been a wonderful experience here so far and the Indian hospitality has been superb on the tour." He was very pleased with the fact that several former Indian cricketers were present at the MIG grounds in Mumbai for the game with the Rest of India side. " It was very helpful having chats with the past masters of the game. It was very kind of them to help the youngsters with useful tips."

Even though the tourists lost the match at MIG, Boon was pleased with the positive approach shown by the boys. "It was good to see them getting used to the Indian conditions and learning to be positive against the spinners." He was disappointed on the loss but consoled himself by saying, "It is disappointing to have lost but as far as the learning curve goes, it is good."

Graham Seville, the stand-in-coach, who will be leaving for home on Wednesday said he enjoyed the trip. He was disappointed with the first game having been rained out. "We had snow in England and absolutely no play for three months before we arrived here. Then the first two days were washed out but it was good that we did get to play a limited game in Pune."

The Indian passion for cricket took the tour management by surprise. They were astonished to see numerous people playing cricket on the streets and the maidans in Mumbai. Seville said, "Cricket is a heritage we gave you and you kept it going more than us. Back in home soccer is more important now." He said that in England a player makes his debut only after he is 21 or 22 years old, not like India, where players make their debuts as early as 17 or 18 years.

Former India player Roger Binny welcomed the tourists and wished them luck but stated he was looking to send them back without any wins in the series. "I think playing on Indian wickets would give more exposure to the tourists but we will be looking to win all the matches." he added.

The tourists are accompanied by a sports scientist Mark and a physiotherapist Kurk Russell. The idea of having them around was to make the players better athletes. The running between the wickets, fielding, stretching, proper warm-up sessions were all parts of the programme. The physio has been working on the emphasis on endurance, power, speed and conditioning of the lower back and abdomens of the players. Russell was happy that so far their were no injuries on the tour.

The director of the ECB has given clear indications that the ECB will be looking forward to exchange programmes with the Indian Academies on a regular basis. The idea is to learn the game plan of the Asian countries, so that the future cricketers will be better players of spin and can easily adapt to Asian conditions.