NZ first-class cricketers to train in Chennai

CHENNAI: A bunch of exciting talents from Canterbury Cricket Club, a first-class cricket team (Canterbury Kings) in New Zealand, is all set to learn the art of playing in sub-continent conditions in Chennai at the Cricket Drome starting August 23.
Confirming the news, Sridharan, Director of Cricket Drome said it will be a five-day training camp at their facility in Thoraipakkam.
"The camp gets underway on 23rd and it goes on till August 28. We are conducting this is in tie-up with Global Cricket School (from Mumbai). They will be involved in some high-intensity training sessions. Most of them are first class cricketers in the age group of 20-25. They are expected to explore in depth about how to adapt to the difficult sub-continent conditions," Sridharan told TOI.
About four years back, Cricket Drome hosted a set of junior cricketers (U-14 & U-19) from Hutt Hawk Cricket Club, Wellington. Eight years before, a New Zealand 'A' side featuring the likes of Shane Bond took part in the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai.
Although Sridharan said that the visiting Kiwis haven't requested anything as of yet regarding a spin coach or consultant as of now, he mentioned that they have prepared three "typical Indian pitches" at their facility.
"We have about five wickets. Out of which, three have been prepared specifically to assist spinners so that their batsmen can get used to the conditions. The pitches would bear a day three or day four sort of a look. There could be open nets sessions too. There is a possibility of them playing in a practice match as well," he added.
Former New Zealand batsman Gary Stead will be at the helm as coach of the group comprising 10 cricketers. The 45-year-old Stead, a former Canterbury cricketer, has represented NZ in five Tests and has played 101 first-class matches.
Some of the exciting talents to watch out for in the group are Jack Boyle, Henry Shipley and Jeremy Benton, who represented New Zealand in the U-19 World Cup.