Rampual benefits from Australian stint

WEST Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who returned from his cricket scholarship last week, said he has benefited tremendously from the four-week stint at the elite Cricket Australia-Commonwealth Bank Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, Australia.

The right-arm pacer has targeted the upcoming KFC Cup Limited Overs tournament in January, 2007, for his likely return to competitive cricket.

The scholarship was funded by the Australian Sports Outreach Programme (ASOP), which Australia’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago John Michell launched in the Caribbean in June.

The ASOP is a five-year programme running from July 2006 to June 2011.

Rampaul’s scholarship involved him undergoing intensive tutelage in the art of fast bowling under the guidance of Australia’s foremost cricket coaches.

Bothered by shin problems over the past two years, Rampaul said he was extremely elated at the opportunity given to him by the government of Australia and in particular High Commissioner Michell.

“I know that it will help me to improve in the technical aspects of my game and also to represent West Indies cricket with its great tradition of fast bowling talent,” said Rampaul, who played the last of his 17 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies in July 2004 against England.

He added that individual coaches in different disciplines were assigned to him, including Jamie Siddons (batting), Troy Cooley (bowling) and Mike Young (fielding).

Rampaul, who turns 22 years old next month, said he underwent therapy for his injury and that special bowling shoes were made for him.

“The training was of a high standard and the facility could be rated as second to none. I am continuing my training at the Atlantic Plaza Gym in Point Lisas and I am eagerly awaiting to get back into competitive cricket,” Rampaul said.

Rampaul, who plays for local club Clico Preysal said that having been injured for the past two years and enduring intense training under the watchful eyes of Dr Terry Ali, praise must be given to all those who assisted him.

He added that he had been given the medical green light to resume the game with a 100 per cent effort.

Meanwhile, Michell said further scholarships will be awarded to regional cricketers in the coming years.

“Currently, the Australian government is examining the possibility of awarding further scholarships to young Caribbean cricketers over each year of the life of ASOP.

“ASOP reflects the importance Australia and countries in the Caribbean region attach to sport, in particular its ability to transcend social, educational, ethnic, religious, historical, political and language barriers.

It is estimated that over TT$11 million (US$1.75 million) will be devoted to the Caribbean region over the life of ASOP,” Michell said.

He added that the scope of the programme extends beyond sport into broader community issues such as HIV/AIDs awareness, non-communicable diseases (e.g diabetes), youth leadership and personal development.

Michell said he hoped the scholarship would kick-start Rampaul’s career again. (CMC)

T&T Newsday