This Aussie is an India fan

Andrews after working as a coach in his native Darwin also worked with Cricket Australia in-charge of cricket development in the Middle-East. In 2008,he was offered the chance to come to Pune and take charge of the Maharashtra U-19 team. Andrews says there was no hesitation in accepting the offer.

“Indians love their cricket. The passion for the game is at fever-pitch and over the last four years the experience of coaching these young lads has been superb,” he says.

Andrew’s enthusiasm has been reflected by the state side as they have made it to the knockouts of the Vinoo Mankad U-19 one day tournament for three years in a row.

The team also reached the finals of the Cooch Behar Trophy last year,but faltered at the final hurdle against Mumbai. Andrews is hoping that the team makes it four out of four times in the one-dayers as it prepares to leave for Ahmadabad to play in the West Zone qualifiers. “The talent in the team is exceptional. Its been that way from the time I have taken charge. We are just concentrating on going all the way this time,” he says.

Andrews likes to believe that over the four years that he has been in charge he has taught his players how best to play the game. “These boys have the skills,they know the basics. I have just concentrated on teaching them how to maximize returns through the use of these skills. Since the time I started coaching this bunch,we as a team have made it a point to break the game down. We take it 10 overs at a time and what is the best way to utilize these 10 over blocks,” says the grizzled Aussie.

The 45-year-old also says that the team now has 11 stakeholders. “All the guys who are on the field are aware of their responsibilities. Where does each one of them have to field when a particular bowler is bowling. How is each one of them supposed to bat in a particular situation and things like that. This way it eases the pressure on the captain and the team performs like a positive unit,” he says.

One thing Andrews says never fails to amaze him is the unending stream of talent in India. “Every year I have had exceptionally talented players coming in. These guys are really motivated and some of them have had really tough childhoods. However,once they are on the field their attitudes are so professional,” he says. Already two of Andrews’ players have been called up to the senior Maharashtra side. Paceman Mohsin Sayyed and batsman Vijay Zol have already had a taste of premier domestic cricket and Andrews says there are many more players waiting to make that jump. “I believe that U-19 players who have come through the system are ready to play First-Class cricket. I am sure my boys can cut it at that level if they are called up,” he signs off.