Expose students to turf cricket and technology: Javagal Srinath

Mangalore, September 25: Former fast bowler for the Indian cricket team Javagal Srinath advice the cricket-loving boys to keep at cricket until the age of around 20, as that is the time their fitness would be at the best.

Interacting with media persons in the city on Sunday, the 'Mysore Express' Srinath said that even if boys are not chosen to play in under-15 tournaments they should not lose heart, as it is around the age of 19 years that most boys go through a “growth spurt”, which would make their body extremely fit for the game.“Boys should give an “honest try” to the game until the age of about 20 years”, he said.

There was a need to expose students to turf cricket and technology so that their talent is utilised efficiently. Otherwise, they would practice on the field and not be able to perform as well on a turf pitch, Mr. Srinath said.

The goal was to bring international practices to the mofussil level and provide basic infrastructure, he added.

The Cricket Academy, an arm of the State Association, should continue to function throughout the year except during the exams and provide training to children. The aim should be providing training to around 150 children over a period of two years.

Mr. Srinath said that the association had seen two privately held potential sites for cricket grounds, but nothing had yet come of it. He said that in Raichur, Mysore, Shimoga the State cricket association, had set up grounds where children could play, and Mangalore was the odd man out. Bangalore had three grounds, he added.

It would have been ideal if the Nehru Maidan was available, but since it was not, around two acres of land that were close to the city would be necessary, he said.