Former Guyana and West Indies batsman Alvin Kallicharran wrapped up weeks of mentoring with the young cricketers across when he returned fittingly to his ancient county hometown of Port Mourant.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) organized training programme, commenced at 9am with some 30-odd players from the U13-U17 levels showcasing their talent under the watchful eyes of Kallicharran, Colin Stuart, the Territorial Development Officer of the GCB, Coach Winston Smith and other relevant cricket officials.
For the session, Kallicharran placed special emphasis on two main components, namely length and application while the technical aspect of the session focused on the importance of length for both batsmen and bowlers. The bowlers were encouraged to bowl to lengths of uncertainty where the batter found it difficult to score from cuts, pulls or front foot drives.
The mental aspect of the session placed emphasis on the ability of the batsmen to judge the length of the delivery in question, or to determine the shot selection, mainly the use of the back or front foot to leave alone or play a shot, pick the gaps in the field, appropriately drop the ball for singles as well as being alert and clear in their communication while running between wickets.
Apart from those two main learning components for the session, a number of players received guidance on technical aspects of their game and on their general attitude and mental approach to the game. The players’ response was favorable, with players expressing a strong willing, interest and desire to be meaningfully involved in the planned activities.
At the close of the programme both Godfrey Persaud and Godwyn Allicock Vice President and Secretary respectively of Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), expressed their gratitude for the programme as well as Kallicharran’s contribution.
The stylish left-hander who has some 32,000 first-class runs has been vibrant since his return to local shores a few months ago and has so far been able to visit a number of locations across the country, imparting knowledge onto the young cricketers.
