Mathew Hayden to work with UP ahead of Ranji season 2015-16

Mathew Hayden to work with UP ahead of Ranji season 2015-16: The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has roped in former Australian opening batsman Mathew Hayden for a three-day batting clinic which is likely to be held before the start of this domestic season.

UPCA secretary Rajeev Shukla told The Indian Express that Hayden’s services have been requested to make the batsmen of the state mentally stronger and technically sound. UP has been traditionally known for producing bowlers. It is learnt that Hayden was approached by his former IPL team-mate, India and UP cricketer Suresh Raina.

“UP has always been the state for bowlers. We gave the maximum number of bowlers to the country in the past few years. Now we want to strengthen our batting line-up and as Hayden was available, we requested him. His expertise will help our boys to sharpen their techniques and mental approach. We will select good batsmen for Ranji and various age groups and they will be called for the camp in Greater Noida before October,” Shukla said.

It is be the first time that UPCA has roped in an international cricketer from outside India. The state has given many prominent stars to the national side. Suresh Raina, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar are a few to name. It will be interesting to see how the UP players tackle Hayden’s accent. He is as Australian as it could get when it comes to pronouncing the words. Language has been a barrier for many cricketers but the UPCA says there will be a translator.

There has also been a demand from several quarters to allow foreign players to take part in the Ranji Trophy. Even if there are 2 in one team, quality players from abroad can raise the standard. During the pre-independence period quite a few English cricketers including Dennis Compton played in the Ranji Trophy. Their presence did attract crowds. If the teams hire top performers from other countries, we could see better crowds for Ranji matches. Pouring money in crores does not necessarily mean Indian cricket will produce half a dozen Tendulkars or Dravids. One needs to have progressive measures and the BCCI should encourage such moves.

The domestic first class game in India has been suffering for want of public interest, and if even a small percentage of the folks turn up at the stadiums to watch a Chris Gayle or an AB de Villiers in action for a Ranji match, then it will only benefit Indian cricket. The IPL may not have been as big a success without its foreign stars. The Ranji Trophy can borrow that idea for the greater good. One or two top foreign players will bring in the crowds, greater television interest, and most importantly, lessons in professionalism for our young cricketers.