Two Indian Fast Bowlers Set to Train with Australia’s Test Squad
Next week, young Indian fast bowlers Abhishek Moond and Vasudev Prasad Singh will have the exciting opportunity to train with Australia’s Test team. The two players are currently part of a four-member delegation from the MRF Pace Foundation, attending a two-week high-performance program at Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane from July 13 to 24.
Joining Moond and Singh in Brisbane are former Indian pacer Tinu Yohannan and M. Senthilnathan, the program manager and head coach at the MRF Pace Foundation. This collaboration marks a long-standing partnership between the MRF Pace Foundation and Cricket Australia that has been in place for over three decades.
The partnership began back in 1992 with the guidance of legendary Australian bowler Dennis Lillee, who played a crucial role in establishing the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai in 1987. Over the years, this program has offered young Indian cricketers valuable exposure to Australian conditions and training techniques. In return, Australian players have benefited from training camps in Chennai, allowing them to adapt to subcontinental conditions.
Initially focused on fast bowling, the program has now broadened its scope to include various aspects of high-performance training. In recent years, Australian batsmen, spinners, and wicketkeepers have also trained at the MRF Pace Foundation to enhance their skills against spin and other challenges they may face in India.
Many prominent cricketers, including Australian stars Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Johnson, and Brett Lee, have been involved with the foundation, while Indian bowlers like Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan have honed their skills through this program.
The exchange has also provided a platform for young Australian talent to gain international experience. Recent participants in the program include players like Sam Konstas and Todd Murphy.
Looking ahead, the program continues next month, with a Cricket Australia development squad set to visit the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai from August 1 for another two-week training camp. This initiative ensures that player development remains a priority for both nations, continuing a tradition of collaboration that has lasted for more than 30 years.
