He’s played with heroes such as Allan Border, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh, but Ray Bright had a different sort of cricket-mad crop at his side in Shepparton last week.
Bright, a former Australian Test spinner and lead coach for Shaun Brown’s Cricket Coaching, ran a keen and green bunch of youngsters through their paces during a two-day camp at Vibert Reserve on January 24 and 25.
Players aged between seven and 15 sharpened their batting and bowling skills in the nets, trained out in the middle and also ran through the game’s nuances on film.
“We’re giving the kids a little bit of viewing on how they look on the video because a lot of kids haven’t seen themselves,” Bright said.
“I think it’s a good learning tool for them to actually see what they’re doing right and wrong.
“They get a bit of a report at the end on some of the things they’re okay at and some of the things that need a bit of work.”
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Anticipating: Harman Kellett prepares to pounce on a loose delivery. Photo by Liam NashImage 2 of 6
Ripping in: Jacob Heyen-Caldwell applies some revolutions. Photo by Liam NashImage 3 of 6
Flat faced shot: Bodhi Luvara drives through the covers. Photo by Liam NashImage 4 of 6
High release: Colton Obersnell tosses it up in the nets. Photo by Liam NashImage 5 of 6
Whack: Harman Kellett carves one through the off side. Photo by Liam NashImage 6 of 6
Stepping back: Luke Webb guides a cut shot off the back foot. Photo by Liam NashBright took 53 Test wickets for Australia during his playing days, dismissing names like Sunil Gavaskar, Mike Gatting and Imran Khan.
But he said learning the ropes to get him up to the elite level was much different compared to now.
“When I was growing up there was very little coaching available, which might not have been a bad thing because you had to learn for yourself,” he said.
“I watched a lot of vision on TV and that’s how I learnt along with going to matches myself.
“The kids nowadays, I think they watch the game but they don’t actually watch what the good players do and I think that’s a great learning tool.
“All they’re doing is doing the basics very well, and that’s probably what we’re trying to emphasise here.”
Lastly, Bright applauded the Shepparton youngsters who attended for their aptitude and willingness to take information on board.
“I’ve been coaching for Sean for many years now, around 35 or maybe 40 (years) coming up and also did a lot of work for Cricket Victoria when I finished playing,” he said.
“One thing about the country: the kids are great. Kids in the city maybe aren’t so good at listening sometimes but I find the kids in the country really appreciate giving up your time and trying to help them out.
“I get a great deal of enjoyment particularly around this area as well over many, many years.”