NICA Fast Bowling & Batting to Spin Masterclass

8^th December 2008

On Monday 8^th December 2008 the NICA hosted 2 consecutive cricket master classes in Bready’s newly opened centre of excellence. The re-arranged fast bowling master class ran from 6pm until 8pm inviting Boyd Rankin and Phil Eaglestone to be in attendance to offer their experienced advice and in-depth knowledge into the art of fast bowling. The content of this course covered everything from the basic set-up to the numerous variations of delivery that fast bowlers adopt. These skills were extremely well explained and demonstrated by both Boyd and Phil as each adopted different variations to their game providing a wide ranging knowledge base between them, which then offered the opportunity for those involved to get in insight into the game plans of each of these Irish International bowlers. This class proved extremely beneficial to all who attended as a noted improvement in technique and accuracy had been observed.     

Following on from this master class again in Bready’s Centre of Excellence the NICA along with Ex-Irish International and newly appointed Irish selector Peter Gillespie delivered a session from 8pm until 10pm on the art of batting to spin bowling. This master class concentrated on the methods that are adopted by batsmen at the top level when playing spin, an art that Peter had no problems explaining or demonstrating. It also provided the opportunity for everyone involved to get their bats back in their hands and get a feel of playing spin with aggression, caution and control. Peters input in this class provided an in-sight into different game plans that can be used when playing spin and passed on some philosophies carried from Ireland’s experience in the 2007 world cup. Overall these courses were a success and provided great opportunities to learn for all involved, which was only made possible with the help of Boyd, Phil and Peter whose input on the night proved invaluable.