Students on learning curve in bid to top world
By Francis Kelly
While the national team do battle with Pakistan in tricky foreign conditions, another English side will be venturing to the Sub-continent this week intent on victory in challenging surroundings.
Loughborough MCCU travel to Dehradun, India, for the Red Bull Campus Cricket T20 World Finals, having overcome Oxford MCCU at the Parks in the final of the national stage of the tournament earlier this year.
There they will compete with seven other university champions from leading cricketing countries (Australia, India, South Africa, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan), in what will be Loughborough’s first finals appearance in fours years of the competition.
The team are already hampered by the absence of at least two of their first choice XI, though, with matters complicated further by another player who may still miss the trip if he is unable to receive his visa in time.
But head coach, Russell Cobb, is positive his young side can fight for the title. “It will be very challenging, certainly for us,” Cobb told The Cricket Paper. “We’re not taking our strongest team – but I think we’ll do well.
“The guys who got the university to India are the ones who will compete, which is great. Half the team have graduated since we beat Oxford, so it’s nice that we’re getting together for the trip.
“I’ve spoken to six of the players and they’re all looking forward to it and are excited to go. There’ll be an odd day off, the opportunity to go sightseeing, which would be fantastic.
“If they see the other side of life there, there might be a few shocks for the students, but that’ll only enhance their appreciation. It’s going to be a real education – the culture and the country. They need to soak it up and enjoy it.”
Before then, the students will need to swot up on their knowledge of the opposition and local conditions if they are to triumph.
The Sub-continent will not be an alien environment, however, after most of the 13-man squad representing the university took part in a tour of Sri Lanka last season, dedicating time to hot-weather training and learning to combat turning pitches.
Yet with only a day’s practice available prior to the competition starting, and restricted preparation in the lead-up to departure, Cobb will be calling on his own experience to help guide the side.
He said: “The Assupol Tuks University from Pretoria won the South Africa leg, they’re pretty strong and are the current title-holders. So they have the trophy.
“We’re still not 100 per cent certain what institutions are representing all the countries. They’ve only just established in Delhi who the Indian champions will be.
“Our guys only came back to university at the end of September and have been practising indoors since. They’ve all maintained their own fitness, so they’re in good shape; but because we arrive Sunday and our first game is on Monday, there’s very little time to get used to conditions.
“I’ve been to India twice leading tours, and loved it. So I’ll be able to pass on necessary advice.”
Although limited in their knowledge of Indian conditions, the side have been able to call on one of their fold with insight of competing for limited-overs glory in the country.
Nitish Kumar was just 16 when he appeared for Canada in three of their six 2011 World Cup group games, becoming the youngest player to play in the tournament.
And although the batsman did not enjoy a favourable tournament then, scoring just 10 runs as Canada finished sixth in their group, his experience could prove vital.
“It’s been useful to hear from Nitish on his time playing there with Canada,” Cobb added. “We have discussed the pitch we’re likely to see, how to play on it, and the probable low bounce. So we’re pretty set. The pre-season trip to Sri Lanka is a positive for our preparation, too. The guys are really excited about the unknown aspect and are looking forward to testing themselves.”
Even if the Loughborough youngsters don’t pass the tough examination in India and come back with the trophy, the experience gained from playing overseas should enhance their game as they pursue a professional cricket career.
And they only have to look to previous UK representatives like Warwickshire’s Josh Poysden for encouragement, who competed in the 2013 finals and made his County Championship debut this season.
Cobb said: “It’s another opportunity to establish themselves going into next season, and also a reminder for those who have graduated what they are capable of.
“From a cricketing side, it’s a chance of a lifetime to challenge ourselves against the best in the world at that age. That’ll be a great benchmark for us.
“To come back as world champions would be a dream come true. Importantly, the education, life skills and knowledge from a great opportunity will help them for the future.”
This piece originally featured in The Cricket Paper on Friday October 16, 2015