How the Seaxe Club helped fund a young Middlesex Academy players trip to India to broaden his experience and improve his game…
“I went to India to play cricket in early November and returned in late February. With much uncertainty about how the trip would unfold as India is not the most common destination for young cricketers, it turned out to be the most fulfilling and eye-opening experience of my life. After a few weeks of training with the renowned DY Patil team in Mumbai (facilitated by Josh Knappett and his contacts within DY Patil and the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Cricket Academy), I moved to Delhi in search of more match practice. During my three-month stint in Delhi I was able to play 27 high quality games for “Push Academy” (effectively a club). The quality of spin bowling was expectedly very high, but the scary depth of batting talent led to very competitive and high scoring games. Most matches were 40 overs per side and no score downwards of 300 was truly safe. I was able to gain exposure in matches to multiple players who play state cricket and even one who played in the IPL (Mayank Dagar). In addition to this I was able to have training sessions with India legends such as Mohammed Kaif and Vijay Dahiya (current Lucknow Supergiants assistant coach) all of which were rich learning experiences. With over 1200 runs at an average of 50, I felt it was very good preparation for the English summer and am excited to see what this summer will bring.
“My experiences away from the field were as valuable as those on them. In Delhi I had the opportunity to live in a flat by myself, which forced me to learn how to cook, clean and generally run a household (dealing with plumbing issues, electrical issues etc). I returned with a new found appreciation for the need to keep the sink clean and the value of an organised room - the greatest achievement of the trip according to my mother. Being in india my Hindi improved tenfold to the point where I was able to converse fluently with the locals and make friends within my apartment complex.
“Finally I must thank the Seaxe Club for their continued support and without whom this wonderful experience would not have been possible. It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip and one I am very grateful for the role the Seaxe Club has played in it.”
Atharva Prasad - Middlesex Cricket Academy
