Three of India's most promising young cricketers have arrived in Adelaide to undertake a five-week training programme at the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy as part of the annual Border-Gavaskar scholarship programme.
All-rounder Raiphi Vincent Gomez, off-spinner Udit Brijesh Patel and fast bowler Siddharth Trivedi are the recipients of the 2003 scholarships, funded by the Australia-India Council.
Fast bowler Trivedi represented India at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in February 2002 and made his first-class debut in the 2002-03 season along with all-rounder Patel.
The Indian trio will receive specialized coaching during their five-week stay in Australia under the guidance of newly appointed CBCA senior coach and former Australia player Damien Fleming.
The three were chosen by a selection panel including former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar.
Former scholarship holders include current Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, who visited the CBCA last year, later making his Test debut against England in August 2002.
Fleming said the scholarship programme was a great initiative and valuable opportunity for emerging young players to gain experience.
"One of the most important aspects in developing your ability as a player is to gain as much experience as you can by being exposed to different environments and conditions," he said.
"The Border-Gavaskar scholarship gives young Indian cricketers that chance.
"The players will be able to see how their Australian counterparts train at the academy and participate in some specific training programme that we have developed to meet their individual needs," he said.
"Cricket is such a significant part of the Indian culture and through the close relationship between our countries we can share knowledge and experience to make sure the game remains strong and healthy at an international level," Fleming said.
