Young Cricketers on spin mission to Mumbai

Date released: 20 January 2005

MCC is sending three of its Young Cricketers, together with their Coach, to India this week to visit the World Cricket Academy in Mumbai. They will be coached in the art of spin bowling, and how to play it, by Hanumant Singh - one of India's top coaches.

The World Cricket Academy has been in existence for over a year, and is used by many first-class counties. Also visiting the facility before the start of the 2005 season are ex-England players John Emburey (now coach at Middlesex), Graham Gooch and John Childs (now coaching at Essex) and Alan Butcher (Surrey coach).

Commenting on the trip, MCC's Head Coach, Clive Radley, said: "The gradual decline of spin-bowling in this country has been well-documented. The difference in English playing conditions compared to those in other parts of the world, particularly the sub-continent, makes it harder to develop spin bowlers of world-class standard. This also affects batsmen, who do not have the opportunity to practise against spin bowling. The trip to the World Cricket Academy will provide an excellent opportunity for these young players to learn from one of India's top coaches. They will able to share what they learn with the rest of the lads on their return to Lord's, and utilise their new skills over the coming season."

The four members of the MCC Young Cricketers party travelling to Mumbai are Will Gidman, Shaun O'Brien, Freddie Klokker and Owen Dawkins (coach).

An two-day MCC Schools Seminar, addressing the art of spin bowling, will be held in MCC's Indoor Cricket School in March.