Australia cricket coach Lehmann's academy to open branch in India

Mumbai, Aug 14 - Young Indian players have reason to cheer with the Adelaide-based Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy coming up with a proposal to establish a centre of excellence in the country.

Lehmann is currently coaching the Australian cricket team. He was in charge of the team which recently lost the five-Test match Ashes series 1-3. The fifth Test will be played from August 20.

The proposal for setting up a coaching centre in India was put forward during a trade mission by the state government of South Australia which is scheduled to visit Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai.

"The Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy is aiming to collaborate with local cricket providers to establish programs involving hundreds of Indian cricketers of all abilities and backgrounds, when the centre of excellence opens next year," Sean Holden, a board member of the Australian academy, was quoted as saying in a release.

"Our aim is to establish an exchange program between two passionate cricketing countries, focused on social, cultural, sporting, educational and vocational outcomes," he added.

Holden voiced confidence that the academy will contribute towards the improvement of Indian cricket.

"Australian cricketers are respected for their competitiveness, determination and leadership skills - there is a growing global appetite for our expertise," he said. "South Australian coaches and players would travel to India and provide specialist advice.

"Our initial focus would be to train India's cricket coaches, administrators and upcoming players aged between 16 to 19 years old," he added.

"Indian cricket delegations would then visit South Australia to continue professional training and compete against state league or leading high school teams.

(IANS)