South African players training in India to tackle Sri Lankan spinners

The cricketing world is busy with the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the moment with top-cricketers of almost all the countries fighting it out to win the coveted trophy. However, following the conclusion of the IPL, international cricket will make a return as a number of series’ are slated to get underway soon after.

South Africa will be touring Sri Lanka for a full series in July where they play 2 Tests, 5 ODIs and one-off the T20I match. Cricket South Africa (CSA) does not want the side to be underprepared for the tour. Thus they have sent a 16-member squad to Mumbai for a week-long training camp where they will be working out on tackle spinners on turning tracks of the subcontinent.

The squad which arrived in Mumbai had a score of domestic South African cricketers but also includes international players. Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Piedt and Tabraiz Shamsi and have been accompanied head coach Russell Domingo and batting coach Neil McKenzie.

Former India players to the rescue

Interestingly, the squad started their training season at DY Patil Stadium where they were assisted by former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar, Mumbai Ranji Trophy coach Sameer Dighe and former Mumbai U23 coach Vinayak Samant. Samant told mid-day that he along with Dighe are working out with the wicketkeepers and batsmen while Powar is looking after the spinners. The first day of the camp was for 8 hours as per Samant.

“It’s a spin bowling camp. So, while the batsmen will focus on playing spinners, the bowlers will try to better their spin bowling. There are a few wicketkeepers as well, who want to improve their skills against spinners. Sameer and I are looking after the wicketkeepers, while Powar is training the spinners. We had a full day session of close to eight hours today,” said the former Mumbai U23 coach.

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