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New coaches, fresh beginnings
By Ranil Abeynaike
Cricket news in neighbouring India and Sri Lanka this week was buzzing with the appointment of a new coach. Sri Lanka had to wait until "big Brother" India took their pick. They had four top men in Greg Chappell, Tom Moody, Desmond Haynes and their own Mohinder Amaranath to select. It must have been a tough choice. Perhaps the great West Indian Opening batsman Desmond Haynes would have trailed behind slightly. In their own way the other three were sufficiently qualified to take over the job.

Chappell the oldest of the contenders got the nod and taking the overall picture into account, that seems the most sensible choice. A brilliant player and a shrewd captain, he has stayed abreast with the game since his retirement. He has been a cricket shop owner, Commentator, advisor and Coach. A very disciplined individual, he is mentally well organized he has also maintained his physique admirably. A profile that suits the role perfectly.

Being coach of India is not simply a cricketing proposition. It involves their people, the culture and the manner in which they approach the game. That is where the test lies. Commenting on the job older brother Ian had this to say. "Coaching India" is an enormously difficult task, but rather they being daunted by the obstacles, Greg has always risen to the challenges. The nail has been hit on the head. It will be a daunting challenge".

If that is Greg's lot, then Tom Moody's is not going to be much different. He also arrives in alien conditions and it will be a fresh beginning. Moody, could be considered as "young", when it comes to handling the job of a national coach. He had dabbled a lot in the game as a player and now as manager of Worcestershire County Cricket Club. In addition to playing that county experience is of great value.

He is in a similar position to what Dav Whatmore was when he took over as Sri Lankan coach in 1996. The major difference being the team and administration was still in its youth of international cricket. Now they are fully grown adults. Whatmore was accepted then with open arms, as a saviour. Moody will be accepted too, but will it be with open hands?

Coaches at this level are now associated with big money. This makes many look at them with envy. Particularly the locals who may not be getting sufficient for their efforts. It is a hard issue to sort out. They say "peanuts and you will get monkeys! should you want quality then be prepared to pay handsomely".

Back to Greg Chappell who runs his own coaching website, which pays close attention to detail on the fundamentals of the game. Here he says in his own words, "The Chappell way encompasses a learning system which emphasizes the integration of traditional coaching with creative play. This allows the individual to develop an effective natural style". That is a wise statement. Two Australians of different eras begin on a new journey, a new experience. Their knowledge wisdom and adaptability will be thoroughly tested. two years is a long time - that is the period they have to produce results.

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