Emerging Players' camp kicks off on sedate note at NCA

The S Badrinath-led side will take part in a four-team Emerging Players’ tournament that also features an Australian Institute of Cricket team, besides squads from New Zealand and South Africa.

Badrinath and Tamil Nadu State-mates M Vijay and R Ashwin were yet to join the camp as they are busy playing in a local league match in Chennai.

The trio and medium-pacer Pankaj Singh are expected join the mix on Sunday. Coach Pravin Amre, along with the support staff of physio Vaibhav Daga and trainer Ramji Srinivasan, supervised the camp.

Fitness tests

The players were to go through fitness tests in the morning before assembling for nets in the afternoon.

The overcast conditions, however, forced the think-tank to alter their plans.

“There was fear of rain in the afternoon, so we thought about having the nets in the morning,” said Amre.

The former India player was happy with the players at his disposal:

“This is a good team and I am confident about them. We are focussing on the skill-sets as well as fitness in this camp. The Emerging Players’ tournament in Australia is a good tournament with some strong teams.

‘Good opportunity’

“This year, we are playing seven limited-overs matches and two Twenty20 games. Our fitness levels will be tested in these nine games. The tournament is also a good opportunity for our players to prove their talent.”

Later in the afternoon, the players had a round of fitness tests and a session at the gym. India finished third in the previous Emerging Players’ tournament when New Zealand emerged champions.

DH News Service