Under 15s Head For Sri Lanka
Somerset’s Under 15 girls and boys squads flew out to Sri Lanka recently for the cricketing journey of their young lives.
30 young cricketers are spending 13 days overseas, during which they will be playing five matches and experiencing a very different environment, dry wickets and a lot of spin bowling.
In addition to playing cricket, the Somerset touring party will also have an opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of Sri Lanka.
In a message to the squads before they set off, Director of Cricket Andy Hurry said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to experience some unique conditions overseas that will also provide everyone with the chance to have great fun, develop as a cricketer and make some great friends.
“Having fun is such a great aspect of playing cricket and the opportunity to gain exposure to foreign playing conditions at this stage of their development will enhance their game beyond belief.
“The tour will present an exciting challenge, and the tourists will need to adapt to the pace of the wickets, bounce and spin, the most effective lengths to bowl and finding a way to deal with the heat and humidity.”
Somerset CCC Club Captain, Lewis Gregory added: “Touring is an integral part of the game and helps to improve you as a player whilst also helping you to expand your knowledge and experience of different conditions, countries and cultures.
“The standard of opposition is bound to be high in a country that is so passionate about the game, but the tour provides those going with the opportunity to learn, develop and grow both on and off the field. I hope they are able to make the most of the challenge that lies in front of them because they will learn a lot about themselves as players and people.”
The age group squads were accompanied by Matt Drakeley, Director of Talent and Women’s Performance, Andrew Griffiths, Head of Pathway Coaching plus coaches Karla Rose, Tilly Bond, Thom Bunker, Any Payne and Calum Haggett.
In addition to the two Somerset Under 15 squads, several players on the Boys and Girls Academy and five of the Somerset Women cricketers will also be out in Sri Lanka attending specialist training camps.
