The Chennai-based MRF Pace Academy has seen the rise of a host of top international cricketers not to mention its role in changing many a career for the better.
Recently, young UAE cricketers Jay Patel, Arjun Lamba and Irfan Sajjad were among a group of seven boys chosen by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for a 10-day stint at the academy which comprised net sessions and video analysis. And all were unanimous on the impact it has had.
“I used to shuffle a lot in my batting stance but the coaches showed us our faults at the video sessions which made a huge difference to our game,'' said 17-year-old Lamba, who impressed in a practice match involving under-19 cricketers, scoring 47.
Right-arm fast bowler Sajjad caught the eye of the Academy's bowling guru, Dennis Lillee.
“My arm was not coming down straight and [Lillee] cautioned that I would suffer injuries if I carried on bowling like that,'' he said.
“After the video session, my run-up improved and I also found it easy to adapt to the changes I was asked to make.''
Mohammad Hyder who coaches the boys at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium said: “Lillee was really impressed with how quickly Irfan managed to alter his action in the space of just 10 days.''
Currently the youngsters are preparing for the ACC under-19 tournament which begins in Malaysia next month and Lamba is confident.
“I have seen the competition when we were in Chennai and we are all more or less at the same level,'' said the lefthander who, not surprisingly, admires Yuvraj Singh.
“Everyone is working hard, our fitness levels have increased and I think we have a good chance.''
