“Calm of mind all passion spent,” surmised English poet John Milton.
Former Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath known for his tidy length and metronome for delivering infinite loops of outside offs emphasized on the importance of yoga at a two-day bowling camp here. Speed and calm, though sound antithetical to each other are actually inter-related.
The Australian bowling machine, who is of the opinion that Yoga is essential for the composition of the mind and body of the player, incorporated a half-hour Yoga session on both days to emphasize the importance of keeping a composed body throughout the game.
‘Essential to relax and stretch’
“It is essential that the boys relax and stretch their bodies after the bowling sessions as it releases all the tension. It also helps in keeping the mind composed at crucial points during a match,” he said.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. McGrath who is in the city to share his knowledge and experience with the budding and brighter generation said he was surprised when he saw the impressive form of the budding bowlers at the Andhra Cricket Association’s two-day pace bowlers’ camp which held on August 9 and August 10.
‘Surprise and intrigued’
“What struck my eyes first was th run up they take for the delivery. It is smooth and tidy. The variation in their pace also has left me intrigued,” he laughed.
The former Australian bowling machine said the team’s recent victory in the Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappaiah Memorial Cricket Tournament trophy twice is a testament to their performance. “It is great to see the players perform with a healthy spirit. I am really looking forward to working with them,” he said.
Mr. McGrath said he will be not only focusing on the young bowlers but also will have good interaction with the coaches.
“Focusing on good length, perfect bouncers, accurate yorkers will give good results. Controlling the pace is very important and the bowler should bowl at his ease with the same action,” he said.
‘Leave the past behind’
During a question and answer session on Friday, Mr. McGrath spoke about Steve Smith’s comeback to Test Cricket after serving a year’s ban for ball tampering.
“Steve Smith’s double ton in the opening Ashes Test is a testament to his love and respect for the game. Going out there and performing phenomenally well despite the crowd’s apparent disapproval requires great strength. What has happened a year ago should be left in the past,” he quipped.