Border-Gavaskar scholars hone their skills in Adelaide

A selection of India's rising junior cricketers have been training at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy (CBCA) in Adelaide, as part of the Border - Gavaskar Scholarship Program.

Vinayak Mane, Parthiv Patel and Deepak Chougle are in their final days of their six-week stay in Australia which has seen them undergo specialist coaching under the guidance of former Australian wicket-keeper-batsman, Wayne Phillips.

A selection panel, established by the former Indian great, Sunil Gavaskar, chose the players, after the introduction of the scholarship program last year. All three players are members of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) based in Bangalore.

Last year's group of scholarship holders included Shiv Das, who made his Test debut for India against Bangladesh in November 2000, then proceeded to open the batting during the Test series between Australia and India in March.

The program is funded by the Australia - India Council (AIC), who have made a significant contribution to the ties between the two nations. In addition to the scholarships, the AIC has also contributed to the production costs of the modernised Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played for in Tests between Australia and India. The trophy is currently held by India after the thrilling March Test series.

Chairman of the AIC, Michael Abbott QC said: " The AIC is delighted that this scholarship program is now in its second term, helping to strengthen the sporting links between Australia and India.

"The program is an important part of the Council's program of promoting understanding and cooperation between Australia and India through projects and exchanges, including sport," Mr Abbott said.

Commenting on the program, ACB Coach Wayne Phillips said: "I think the scholarship program is a great initiative, that can only be for the good of the game, given that it provides young players with the opportunity to hone their skills in foreign conditions.

"I believe these three young men will leave Australia better cricketers," Mr Phillips said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also contributed towards the scholarship program, allowing the players to extend their stay at the CBCA by two-weeks.

The scholarship holders return to India on 14 July 2001