Two Indian cricketing prospects have arrived in Durham as part of a reciprocal partnership between Durham Academy and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KCSA).
Sharath Ravi and Vyshak Kumar, both 19, landed in the UK this week ahead of respective 45-day stints with North East Premier League team Chester-le-Street and Durham’s Academy side.
The partnership has already seen two visits by John Windows’ prospects to Bangalore, where they received specialist coaching by their Indian counterparts.
And now the two Indian players will be hosted by Durham as both sides continue to nurture a positive relationship in broadening the horizons of young cricketers.
“We hope the experience benefits both organisations in terms of broadening horizons and experiences, and if we can learn off each other and the cricketers we are both trying to produce, it’s really beneficial,” said Windows.
“We played a couple of matches and took six of our cricketers out there, most notably from that group Jack Burnham. The point was two-fold; to develop cricket skills with an emphasis on playing quality spin bowling and also to broaden their minds and see a different part of the world.
“The continuation of that relationship was we were invited back last year and practiced in their facilities, being coached by their coaches.
“This year was the first time we have been able to reciprocate that, so Sarath and Vyshak are the first players from KSCA to come to England and experience English conditions and to play in our system.”
Windows first started the sub-continent visits while Scott Borthwick was a young spinner and they continue to be an important part of their development, both on and off the field.
But this is the first time a reciprocal visit has been arranged two players were delighted to be given a chance to come to Durham and experience the English conditions first hand, in particular looking forward to playing against high quality swing bowling.
“It’s beautiful because it’s our first time coming overseas, it’s a good place to come. It’s a totally new experience for us” said Ravi, a wicket-keeper batsman.
“I’m trying hard to play swing bowling. We have seen a lot of wickets taken by Jimmy Anderson, I’m really looking forward to playing the seaming conditions in England.”
Kumar, an all-rounder, added: “It’s an amazing experience for us in English conditions, we are not used to it so we can learn a lot before we go back in the next 45 days.
“It’s a little cold compared to India!”
The two squared off during Saturday’s fixture between Chester-le-Street and Durham Academy, with the latter winning a low-scoring thriller by one wicket.
Kumar took three wickets and scored 18 for the Academy while Ravi made three for the hosts.
And the latter said the pair are extremely grateful for such an opportunity.
“We are very thankful to KSCA for giving us the opportunity, and also to Durham and John Windows.”