A learning curve for youngsters
Facing Indian spinners at home will be a rewarding experience, said the coaches and captains of Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe at a press conference here on Saturday evening ahead of an under-19 quadrangular tournament which begins on Monday.
Intermittent rain with some heavy spells over the last three days denied the teams proper net practice, but the teams are looking forward to an “interesting” tournament.
Greg Chappell, in charge of the Australian under-19 team, said: “Playing in the sub-continent and against quality Indian spin will be a test for us,” Chappel said.
In one or two years, this team might be the core of the senior team, felt Chappel.
India is doing exceedingly well, having participated in a triangular series in Australia and a Test series and one-day match series in Sri Lanka in the near past, said coach Bharat Arun, while captain Vijay Zol, who scored a century on his first class debut for India ‘A’ against New Zealand ‘A’ here last month, exuded confidence.
He said captaincy would not be a hindrance for him.
Bharat Arun felt all the three competitors were tough. South Africa is the only team India has not faced so far, while Australia and Zimbabwe have the experience of playing against it. “It is going to be a very competitive tournament,” he said.
The South African team has arrived here after playing two warm-up matches at home and has prepared well, said captain Yaseen Ali.
Coach Raymond Jenning said it was the first tour abroad for the entire team and was an opportunity for the players to learn about India. “A trip to India is always a learning experience,” he said.
Zimbabwe has as many as 13 all-rounders, said its coach Walter Chawaguta. There are seven fast bowlers and five spinners, four of them leggies. It has trained against spin, said the coach who took charge six months ago. Captain Malcom Luke said his teammates were excited about playing here. It has played some top teams in Zimbabwe before coming here.
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