Narangoda gets down to basics at the cradle of Cricket
A correct step in the right direction by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to improve the standard of Junior Cricket starting from Under (U)-15, was initiated last week at the NCC grounds. A bunch of budding cricketers nominated by their respective schools were seen at practices under the watchful eyes of Provincial Coaches under the supervision of a District Coach. Practice sessions were held to select the Western Province (WP) U-15 Cricket pool. Likewise, practices will be held in other provinces too, to select the respective Provincial pools. The Sunday Times spoke to SLC-appointed WP Coach Leslie Narangoda, former Nalandian, Sri Lanka Schools, Bloomfield, Moratuwa CC and Baksons Cricket all-rounder for his views. Sri Lanka’s legendary Cricketer Mahela Jayawardene is Narangoda’s proudest product.
He started by saying he is a firm believer of natural talent. A coach should be able to recognise natural talent in a youngster, adding that a Cricketer is born and not made. Elaborating, he said, a player with inborn talent should be allowed to play his natural game, be it as a batsman or a bowler. This type of individual needs close scrutiny to brush up certain areas. Narangoda has noticed that, most youngsters play the checked-drive, without the complete ‘follow through’ on the drive. A batsman has to be technically sound and should plan his innings when walking out to take strike. Then, there is another lot who are really interested in the game, who need very close watching, because of their over enthusiasm to imitate popular players in batting, bowling or fielding.
They should be directed to play the game in their own style or else, they will end up nowhere. His advice to young cricketers is to stay at the wicket as long as you possibly can, and runs will come in search of you. Speaking on bowling, this veteran coach said fast bowlers should be tall and fit and concentrate on bowling straight, to hit the seam on the deck while allowing the ball to do the rest. A fast bowler should develop his shoulders and have strong arms to release the ball fast. Speaking on the latest chucking ‘epidemic’, Narangoda said it is difficult to judge with the naked eye. As there were no modern day technology earlier most bowlers went undetected for chucking, at national or international level. He said, however, an experienced coach with a sharp eye should some times be able to detect a bowler with a suspect action.
Modern technology has made the job easy that, presently, even a mobile phone video clip of an action could detect a defect. Spin bowlers who spin the ball with their wrist and fingers, are advised to concentrate more on line and length, and bowl to a set field. It is easy for a spinner to study a batsman’s pet strokes and feed it till he makes a mistake. A fielder should be agile and quick to react on the field, while always keeping his eyes on the ball. When asked about the present standard of junior Cricket, Narangoda said that, from what he has seen, there is much polishing up to be done. He went on to say, with the Provincial and District Coaches taking a special interest in grooming youngsters in their respective Provinces, it will definitely lift the standard of Cricket, as U-15 is the cradle of Cricket.
This strict disciplinarian has some important advice to young Cricketers that, they should respect the opposing team and umpires. Never cast remarks. Accept umpires’ decisions sportingly without showing dissent or displeasure, as their word is law on the field. He also cautioned parents against interfering with the team, giving instructions, shouting and casting remarks from the boundary line. These sort of acts puts more pressure on the young Cricketer. Coaches and Masters-in-Charge should be allowed to take decisions freely, without any outside pressures. In conclusion, Narangoda is of the view that, presently, there is room for improvement in the standard of junior Cricket is not, but is confident of rich dividends, with the support and guidance of SLC and the dedication and commitment of the Coaches. Narangoda also plans to conduct workshops for school and district Coaches.