Chappell ready to crack the whip

A trainer at the NCA who conducted the drills recalled the strict guidelines laid down by Chappell. “It was a pleasing sight, as all the fast bowlers had to ensure that they stuck to Chappell’s timing chart. Despite attending the fitness sessions everyday for long hours, all the players had no option but to stick to it,” he said.

Chappell was particularly specific with the arrival time of the players at the camp every morning. The team bus had to be boarded by nine. Those who failed to make it would have to arrange for his own conveyance to KSCA ground.

Speaking to The Indian Express today, Balaji said that the day with Lillee helped him a lot. “Although he was there for just a day, it was a wonderful experience. I have had sessions with him before. At this camp, he had a long word with the whole batch, and gave interesting tips on injury-prevention methods and fitness,”

There were long sessions on running and fielding skills. As Balaji said: “The week’s programme proved very helpful. It covered so many areas. There were long drills and exercises on running and fielding. Then there was advice and suggestions on injury-prevention. There was stress on getting the basics right as well. So, the camp spanned everything, and we are looking forward to the full-team camp.”

The NCA chief Brijesh Patel assured that arrangements were in full swing for the team camp. “Everything is ready in terms of facilities for the Indian team probables. After arriving at the NCA, Chappell had asked for some facilities and we immediately made sure they were there,” Patel said.

The Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, Dinesh Mongia, Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh playing county cricket would miss the camp. The rest of the probables, including the top players, will begin training at the twin camp — physical and skills — for the probables that gets underway tomorrow till July 12. There would also be another cricket skills camp held for another 10 days.