The glint in her eyes says it all and even after a long day in the field on the ACA Cricket Academy grounds at the JKC College, Anusha (19) is showing the least signs of tiredness.
A native of Kurnool, Anusha has been playing cricket since 12 at a local stadium before being spotted during a talent hunt by the ACA. The scenic Andhra Cricket Association has given scores of budding women cricketers an opportunity to pursuing their dreams.
Inspired by the cricketing exploits of Mithali Raj, Jhoolen Goswami and Harmanpreet Kaur on the international arena, the cricketers are sweating it out on the lush green fields. The Women’s Cricket Academy, first of its kind in the country, was opened in 2010 and has emerged as a nerve centre of women’s cricket in the State.
The ground has been hosting inter-zonal cricket matches for the last seven years. Players are selected on the basis of performance in the matches.
Brainchild of J. Narendranath, former secretary of the JKC College, the academy has 16 rooms and a dormitory which can accommodate 70 players and an indoor gymnasium on the college campus. The girls are provided round-the-clock security by the ACA staff.
“The academy has given a new direction to women’s cricket in the country. It is heartening to see the academy is providing an opportunity for hundreds of women cricketers across the country to showcase their talent. Some outstanding players like Meghana, Sneha Deepti have gone to play for the country,” said ACA Women’s Cricket Academy chairman J. Murali Mohan.
The ACA has drafted level B coach S. Sreenivasa Reddy to train the girls. The expertise of former New Zealand player Maria Fahey was also used. Former test players Poornima Rao also played a key role in training the girls. Guntur’s connection to cricket has a long history. The ACA was registered and set up in Guntur way back in 1953.