A visit to the MRF Pace Foundation
Andrew Alderson from the New Zealand Herald visits the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai and looks at how the school has groomed generations of pace bowlers to represent India and others in international cricket, helped in no small measure by the
Akhila Ranganna
25-Feb-2013
Andrew Alderson from the New Zealand Herald visits the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai and looks at how the school has groomed generations of pace bowlers to represent India and others in international cricket, helped in no small measure by the presence of former Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee.
The humble surrounds and spartan accommodation embody the school's ethos that excellence in fast bowling is generated from thorough preparation, hunger and toil. The school is based on a site no bigger than a large playground or about a quarter of the size of a large test match ground like Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Now 61, Lillee visits the school around three times a year for a fortnight at a time, generally in February, June and September. His reputation as a classical fast bowler can cloud the fact he is also an astute coach fascinated by the minutiae of the art of swinging and seaming five-and-a-half ounces of leather.
Akhila Ranganna is assistant editor (Audio) at ESPNcricinfo