Kerala cricketers to train in Australia

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) in India has sent 25 cricketers to Brisbane, Australia for a six-week rigorous training camp.

Eight players are from the Ranji level whereas the remaining players are from the 13-22 age category. This is a long-term plan by the KCA to transform budding cricketers into professional players by giving them proper coaching at the right level.

All 25 players left the country on Monday and will return in six weeks’ time hoping to be better cricketers in the future.

Speaking on the eve of their departure, KCA president TR Balakrishnan and secretary TC Matthew said that this was the first time Indian players are being sent abroad for professional training. This initiative amounted to Rupees 40 lakh and is taken up so that Kerala don’t have to import players for their Ranji matches.

The players will be coached at the Australian Sports Gateway in Brisbane which is headed by Australian wicketkeeping coach Brad Murphy. The other notable coaches for this training schedule include Baba Sourjah (Level 3 Australian Cricket Board Coach), Cameron Miers and Matt Turich (Level 2 Australian Cricket Board coaches).

The KCA is planning to continue this initiative of training local players internationally for the next five years in a move to promote school and college level championships in the state. This plan will also include development of cricket infrastructure including pitches in different parts of the state.