USA Cricket Women’s Coach Anand Tummala is in Australia this month as part of a professional development program and he’ll be keeping us up to date on his progress throughout the trip down under as he works with some of the best in the game.
I would like to start by thanking both USA Cricket & Cricket Australia for this great experience! I am honored to be the chosen one for this Coach Professional Development Program as part of the Strategic partnership between USA Cricket and Cricket Australia. The arrangements made by Cricket Australia here are just beyond remarkable and hugely appreciated.
Arriving into Australia early in the new year, the trip got going on the 3rd of January, I spent the first couple of days at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). I started out by spending some time with the English and Aussie players on Jan 3rd in prep for the 5th Ashes Test (Pink Test as the Sydney Test is now known as). I got to spend some valuable time with Brad Haddin (Fielding Coach Australia) and Steve Smith (current Australian Captain and #1 ranked Batsman in the world in Test Match format). Talking to Brad Haddin was great to understand what goes on at the Elite Level from Coache’s stand point and how he goes about his role. Talking to Steve Smith was just unbelievable, he is very modest, humble and unassuming. He in fact drove the conversation asking about USA Cricket as I was dazed and honestly lost in the awe presence of this great Cricketer and human being.
I also met former Australian Captains and had good conversations around Coaching and what is currently happening in USA Cricket. I was also fortunate to spend time with the New South Wales High Performance Manager David Moore, and he was more than welcoming on the potential partnership between NSW and USA Cricket. Who knows, may be a great opportunity for our players going forward!!
I then traveled to Brisbane on the evening of Jan 4th – the next leg of the first phase. Spent a couple of days at the National Cricket Center (NCC) and the ‘Gabba’. Was great to know and learn from former Australian International Player and currently working as part of CA High Performance team – Leah Poulton, on the Women’s High Performance and the Pathway Programs that CA have nationally for Girls and Women. Spent time with Ryan Harris, Andy Bichel and Ashley Noffke with the Australian U19 Team who were in the midst of their final preparations just before them leaving to New Zealand for the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup.
Then I met up with a couple of Legendary Cricketers – Adam Gilchrist and Greg Chappell whilst at the ‘Gabba’ witnessing the Australian U19 Team practice match. It was great experience to run a brief fielding session during the warm ups for Australian Under 19 cricketers. Great bunch of Cricketers and immensely talented who have tremendous attitude.Also watched the Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat in the Men’s Big Bash League game. I truly felt more than welcomed and felt great when I saw so many people interested to know about USA Cricket and gave their best wishes for USA Cricket to be successful!
I left Brisbane on Jan 6th for Melbourne during the first leg and went straight to the Men’s Stars vs Renegades Big Bash League (BBL) game. Next couple of days were spent with the Victoria State Representative Teams U14, U16 Girls and U18 Boys. Was great to see & learn about Australian Cricket from different perspectives at the Grass Roots level from Players, Coaches and the Pathway stand points.
At the end of the first leg of this Coach Professional Development Program, I got a very good and detailed exposure to the Elite and the Grass Root perspective of Australian Cricket. Truly feel good as lot of things that are being done and said here by the Elite Australian Coaches is very close to what we at the National Level are doing & saying back in the USA. My next leg will be in Sydney with the CA XI just before they take on England in 50 overs warm up game.
I am really looking forward to meet the great Glenn McGrath and spend some time again with Brad Haddin. I will be with the Perth Scorchers at their training sessions before they play their Men’s BBL game tomorrow. Really looking forward to meeting Justin Langer, arguably one of the best Cricket Coaches in the World. And will spend a few days with Sydney Thunders in the Women’s Big Bash league and will have great opportunity to work with and learn from Joanne Broadbent and the Elite Women’s cricketers from around the world.
My next update will be at the end of the second leg in about 6 days time. Til then, thanks & stay tuned!
Anand
