Sunrisers offer tips to budding cricketers

VVS Laxman Academy at Sreenidhi International School campus had special visitors from the Sunrisers Hyderabad team. Coaches Tom Moody and Muralidharan, world number one test bowler Dale Steyn and mentor VVS Laxman shared a few tips with budding cricketers. Youngsters volleyed a barrage of questions to the players which was appreciated by the veterans.

Tom Moody spoke about how the Australian team played as a single unit to win the 1987 World Cup. He added that the same team won the 1999 World Cup on the strength of individual class. “Creating a strong team environment leads to lifelong friends, which is an example of my career,” he said.

“A leader is one who can communicate, respect the qualities of others, remains open minded and takes quick decision,” Moody explained. He advised youngsters to balance their lives between games and education as education helps gather knowledge. Muralidharan bowled everyone with his tips on becoming an ace bowler.

“A bowler needs to learn how to spin and later control the ball. He needs to strategise according to batsman, believe in himself, work hard at the nets and listen to the coach. Spot balling is important and so is the line and length,” said the legendary spinner.

Dale Steyn’s vision of fitness being very important for a fast bowler motivated the youngsters. “Having a strong mind prevents one from taking a wrong decision. An individual’s workout schedule differs from one player to another. One can improve bowling by consistently bowling in one area and after achieving this, the bowler should exhibit his swinging skills and by bowling fast,” he advised.

The premier fast bowler also shared that he prepares for a test match by going through the basics, bowling line and length, reading the pitch and then coming up with a game plan. The interaction with the legendary players ended with the ceremonial tree plantation ceremony on the cricket ground, which is a tradition at the Sreenidhi International School.