Extra Innings with Mathew Sinclair and Llorne Howell

Former New Zealand cricketers Llorne Howell and Mathew Sinclair tell us why Indian children make for promising cricketers
Mathew Sinclair and Llorne Howell
Mathew Sinclair and Llorne Howell

The weather’s perfect, so is the pitch. A bunch of young, aspiring cricketers are trying to get their batting techniques right, while a few others are trying to bowl with flair. Coaching these young boys and girls are two well-known New Zealanders — former cricketers-turned-coaches, Llorne Howell and Mathew Sinclair. Both these players, invited by the St Francis Cricket Academy, are in Bengaluru for a month-long coaching camp.

What brings them all the way to India to coach children here? Mathew says, “I have never been to India before, so it was an awesome opportunity. I just wanted to experience the patience and dedication that boys and girls have when they stick to this game.” Unlike their international counterparts, aspiring cricketers, particularly children in India who wish to play for the nation showcase a different level of dedication, and that’s what impresses these coaches. “I think Indian kids are more focused and determined towards cricket compared to children in New Zealand,” says Llorne, while Mathew adds, “In 
New Zealand we have a lot of options with regards to multi sports. But in India, cricket is seen as a religion and one day kids want to play for India. The IPL and the success of the Indian team has had a huge impact.”

While Llorne has been a coach for the most part of his career, after an injury early on, Mathew was considered to be a player for the long term, but destiny had other plans. Mathew agrees as he says, “My fondest memory is that of my debut. It stands out. I scored a total of 214 (against West Indies at Wellington in 1999), I gave New Zealand a double century. I guess it set very high expectations for me. People thought I would be the next Martin Crowe but every situation was very different. I did struggle with consistency.” The cricketer also says that the pressure while playing international cricket is tremendous. If there was a chance to go back in time, he would. “I would live my mistakes and wouldn’t be that negative about myself. I guess when you are playing international cricket, you strive hard to be at peace. I guess I would be a lot more relaxed in that role now, rather than take the whole world on me,” he says with a smile. 

Talking about the pressure of performing, the recent ball tampering episode by ex-Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft, both Llorne and Mathew agree that it was unnecessary. “It is shameful, I wouldn’t want anyone to go through it,” says Llorne, while Mathew adds, “Two good players 
are sitting and doing nothing when they could have been playing. As coaches we teach, we play hard, we play fair, and we play within the rules. We need to play the game for the game’s sake.”

Even as they talk in unison about the rules of the game and their love for cricket, they differ when it comes to their choice of Indian cricketers. Llorne says his favourite is Sachin Tendulkar, “On the field and off-the-field, he is a fine example of a great cricketer.” But for Mathew, it is Virat Kohli, “I think Kohli is a leader, he leads from the front. You can see his manner, it looks like he is up for a fight,” he concludes with a smile.

ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax

 

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