ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/10/2001 13 July 2001
Border-Gavaskar scholars hone cricket skills in Adelaide
A trio of young Indian cricketers is due to return to India on 14 July after training at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy (CBCA) in Adelaide as part of the Border-Gavaskar Scholarship Program.
Vinayak Mane, Parthiv Patel and Deepak Chougle underwent six weeks of specialist coaching in Australia under the guidance of former Australian wicket-keeper and batsman Wayne Phillips.
A selection panel, established by former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar, chose the players, after the introduction of the scholarship program last year. All three players are members of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.
The program is funded by the Australia–India Council (AIC), which has made a major contribution to ties between the two nations. Besides the scholarships, the AIC has contributed to the production costs of the modernised Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played for in Tests between Australia and India. The trophy is currently held by India after the thrilling March Test series.
Australian Cricket Board coach Wayne Phillips said the program "could only be for the good of the game" because it let young players hone their skills in foreign conditions.
The Australian High Commissioner in New Delhi, Mr Rob Laurie, welcomed the program. He said he hoped it would not be a one-way track, and that young Australian cricketers also would have a chance to sharpen their skills in India - especially against spin bowling.
Last year's group of scholarship holders included Shiv Sunder Das, who made his Test debut for India against Bangladesh in November 2000, then proceeded to open the batting during the Test series between Australia and India in March.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) contributed to the scholarship program, allowing the current group of players to extend their stay at the CBCA by two weeks.
The Chairman of the AIC, Mr Michael Abbott QC, said his Council was delighted that this scholarship program was now in its second term, helping to strengthen the sporting links between Australia and India. The Council promotes understanding and cooperation between Australia and India through varied projects and exchanges.
For further information contact Mr Rory Medcalf (First Secretary) 688 8223 Ext. 197 or Mr. Jonathan Rose, Public Affairs Officer, Australian Cricket Board. Tel: (03) 9653 9946/Mob: 0438 190 193.