Island pair off to learn in Mumbai

TWO of Guernsey's best young cricketers have been selected to go to India with the ICC European Cricket Academy. Kris Moherndl and Blane Queripel will spend 10 days at the Cricket Club of India that is based at the impressive Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

The academy has never been held outside Europe before.

'I'm delighted. It's going to be a really good opportunity,' said Moherndl.

'This is pretty big. It's going to be a really good trip experiencing some different cricket and that will help.'

It will be the second time that the 19-year-old Cobo all-rounder, Moherndl, has attended the academy.

Earlier this year he went to La Manga in Spain to train with the set-up.

He was subsequently picked for the Europe under-23 squad and had a day at Lord's when he was selected as 12th man for the full European representative team who took on a strong MCC XI.

After his European experiences, he was named to play in the senior inter-insular and is now an integral member of the island team.

'It definitely benefited my cricket,' said Moherndl.

'I was really pleased with my season and that came from being in La Manga.'

For Cobo and Guernsey 21-year-old fast bowler Queripel this will be his first time at the academy.

'I'm obviously ecstatic to have been picked, especially as it's for Europe,' he said.

'We all know how much Kris improved after going to La Manga and I just hope that it has the some effect on me.'

Along with Moherndl and Queripel, 12 other European cricketers between the ages of 18 and 22 years old have been selected.

The other countries to be represented are Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Gibraltar and for the first time Israel will have one of their cricketers attending.

The academy will take place from 24 February to 5 March and the programme will consist of five days of practice and three matches against a variety of opposition including an under-19 state side.

The matches will take the form of one two-day and two one-day matches.

'I think it's a fantastic opportunity for the pair, going by how much Kris improved last year,' said the chairman of the Guernsey Cricket Board, Dave Piesing.

'They are going to experience India and new conditions and have access to some fantastic coaches. It will stand us in good stead if this initiative helps these players to develop.'