Holiday Cricket for Max
Staying in Bangalore for the holiday period has had some added benefits with Max able to play in a club cricket tournament. With the long travel time to and from school each day during the term, it limits how much 'actual' cricket Max gets to play - usually it is just a lot of training, so this was a good opportunity for him to get out there and give it his best.
It makes me very proud when I see our boys put themselves out there when they often don't know anyone and are often the only non-local boys in the squad. There is not only the language barrier, with much of the banter not in English, but many of the cultural differences that come along with that. Max was the only one with his shirt tucked in, hat on and acknowledging the coach with a 'yes sir'. He doesn't like that he stands out as the only 'Aussie boy' but playing in Indian conditions will only help him in the future.
The singing of the national anthem before they played had him a little stumped - as he only really knows the last couple of lines. Actually, that might happen when he goes home to Australia too !!! He was very nervous for the 2 games but it was a good opportunity to talk to him about the difference between 'good nerves' and 'anxiety' and how we all have situations like this, particularly as expats, and how those good nerves make us stronger and more resilient.
The games were played at a local school ground and the pitch was a clay surface (basically rocks) covered with matting (picture below) - it made for some interesting bounce, that is for sure. I think 'Extras' was a top scorer on Day 1. The boys played well given the conditions and managed two wins, so they now have a final to play in a week or so.
A little video of his bowling - Max Bowling
It makes me very proud when I see our boys put themselves out there when they often don't know anyone and are often the only non-local boys in the squad. There is not only the language barrier, with much of the banter not in English, but many of the cultural differences that come along with that. Max was the only one with his shirt tucked in, hat on and acknowledging the coach with a 'yes sir'. He doesn't like that he stands out as the only 'Aussie boy' but playing in Indian conditions will only help him in the future.
The singing of the national anthem before they played had him a little stumped - as he only really knows the last couple of lines. Actually, that might happen when he goes home to Australia too !!! He was very nervous for the 2 games but it was a good opportunity to talk to him about the difference between 'good nerves' and 'anxiety' and how we all have situations like this, particularly as expats, and how those good nerves make us stronger and more resilient.
The games were played at a local school ground and the pitch was a clay surface (basically rocks) covered with matting (picture below) - it made for some interesting bounce, that is for sure. I think 'Extras' was a top scorer on Day 1. The boys played well given the conditions and managed two wins, so they now have a final to play in a week or so.
A little video of his bowling - Max Bowling
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