Kokinos appointed physical trainer

Kokinos’ tenure will be till the completion of the forthcoming Test series and the ensuing triangular overs-limited tournament. Dungarpur informed that "once the triangular series ends, we will review his performance and decide whether to continue his services further."

Besides, his professional qualifications,Kokinos’ resume contains some interesting particulars. Presently employed with the North Melbourne Football Club, Australia, he did duty at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy event in Malaysia handling almost 19 teams. His role in Malaysia impressed former Australian captain and coach Bobby Simpson — the newly appointed consultant for the Indian team paving the way for his selection.

Andrew Shedlock, the Natal trainer from Durban, South Africa and Patrick Farhart were the other names suggested by Simpson.

Explaining Simpson’s role, Dungarpur said: "The prime objective in having him (Simpson) is to prepare us for the 1999 World Cup. We have missed out on being at the top on quite a few occasions owing to lack of preparation. I’m quite sure that he will be able to contribute hugely to the preparation of the World Cup."

He firmly pointed out that there would be no overlapping and confusion between the team coach Anshuman Gaekwad and Simpson. "It is quite clear that Gaekwad is the coach andSimpson, the consultant coach," he said. Dungarpur also stressed upon the need for continuity if the country is to make an impact in the World Cup. "If we are honestly interested in preparing for the 1999 World Cup, the least we can do is to have the continuity of the coach."

While conveying Simpson’s observations on the Indian cricketers, Dungarpur said: "He feels the Indians have a distinct style of playing the game and there is no reason to change it while working within that framework."

DECISION ON CHAUHAN SOON: The Board president revealed that the ICC decision on off-spinner Rajesh Chauhan will be announced tomorrow (Sunday). "The ICC’s Advisory Panel on Illegal Deliveries will view video footage of his bowling action taken during an indoor practice session in London recently and then send a report to the BCCI," disclosed Dungarpur.

SPONSORS FOR YOUNGSTERS: Another decision taken by the BCCI was to send two youngsters annually to the Adelaide-based Australian Cricket Academy inAustralia. Terming the 1997-98 period as the "Season of Opportunities", Dungarpur said the two youngsters will be picked in consultation with the junior and senior national committees.

Qantas Airways would sponsor the visit of the two boys to Australia. the Board is seeking corporate sponsors to send two more youngsters to Adelaide.