Cricket academies in Qatar keen to benefit from Whatmore’s expertise

Budding cricketers in Qatar can soon expect to have their skills honedunder the supervision of none other than former Australian Test playerand renowned coach Dav Whatmore.The Sri Lankan-born Whatmore is expected to visit Qatar sometime soon aspart of the Trucoach Centre for Sports Science (CSS)-Whatmore Centrefor Cricket’s initiative to collaborate with Doha-based cricketacademies.The Chennai-based state-of-the-art facility works in tandem with the SriRamachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Science Centre which is known forrectifying the faulty bowling actions of many famous cricketers besidesproviding expertise in physiology, psychology, biomechanics, nutritionand other related spheres that are essential to a sportsman’s success. “Everyone knows Dav Whatmore is a legend as far as cricket coachinggoes. His coaching methods will immensely benefit young cricketers inQatar and help with sort out any deficiencies in their skills andtechniques at an early age,” said former Kerala first class player J KMahendra, who acts as a consultant for the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopyand Sports Science Centre.The Trucoach Centre and the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and SportsScience Centre have already started work in the UAE where hundreds ofyoung players are receiving quality guidance, according to Mahendra wholikes to be remembered as the first cricketer from the state of Keralato represent India, having been a member of the Indian schools team thattoured England in 1967.During his recent visit to Qatar, Mahendra interacted with coaches andofficials of several cricket academies and made presentations on behalfof the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Science Centre in Chennai.“I visited Asian Town Cricket Academy and the Stallions Cricket Clubamong others and they were very keen to avail of our facilities,” saidMahendra.Asian Town Cricket Academy’s Riyaj M K was enthused about youngsters learning from Whatmore.“We are keen to tie up with Whatmore’s facility so that our studentsbenefit from his expertise besides having their,” said Riyaj.“We look forward to Whatmore visiting Qatar and also sending the boys toChennai on a regular basis to be assessed by experts as part of ourlong-term developmental plans,” he added.The Stallions Cricket Academy in Qatar is also keen to collaborate with the Whatmore’s facility.“We are looking at tie-ups and exchange programmes that will benefit ourcricketers,” said Ashan Perera. “We have close to 500 kids at theacademy and we are looking forward to Whatmore’s visit,” he added.Perera added that as part of the impending tie-up, his club would send players on a tour to India sometime next year.“Stallions Cricket Academy players have toured England and Australia inthe past. If all goes well we will soon send a team to India. It wouldbe a great experience for them,” he said.