The intensity in purpose was unmistakable. Even as spin-doctor Terry Jenner addressed queries he never lost sight of what his young wards were up to at the MAC Spin Foundation. On his annual visit here, Jenner touched upon various facets on the art of spin bowling, the mystery that surrounds Ajantha Mendis and T20, which as a format is not good for the development of spinners.
Jenner said what he had seen on this trip was more encouraging than witnessed last year. "There is more spin and less pace to be seen.
"Having seen bowlers around the world I have noticed young spinners in India usually try to bowl faster as the wickets here are usually slow and low.
"It is important for a bowler to understand what is the optimum speed for him would be. A 12-year-old can achieve turn only if he operates at less than 45-kmph. I have seen a few bowlers who have understood their bowling well and that’s a positive sign," explained Jenner.
The emergence of Twenty20 was good for the general interest of the game but the same could not be said for the development of spinners according to Jenner.
"A tournament like the IPL is here to stay. It’s good for the players and the viewing public but T20 is not the format for a developing spinner.
"The key here is to get under the bat and one saw Harbhajan Singh bowl fast yorkers during the World Cup. It will not be easy for beginners to come back to regular formats and toss the ball up," said Jenner.
Jenner also stressed the importance for slow bowlers to have their basics in place in order to work on their craft and improve it. "When Shane Warne made a comeback after a layoff in 2003 he picked 30 wickets in Sri Lanka. He managed to get them by operating at a slower speed.
"A strong front arm and the right alignment were the key to his success. It was the same with Anil Kumble in Australia in 2003-04. Without changing his action by too much he was able to add variations."
On the upcoming India-Lanka series, Jenner predicted a good contest between bat and ball. On Ajantha Mendis, Jenner said of what little he had seen of him he was impressed with his control but it was too early to predict.
"Warne and Muralitharan did not have the best of starts. In face Warne midway through his career had the most number of sixes against his name but look at what they achieved in the end. In a sense it is better to have a modest start as a spinner. I am sure the Indian batsmen will pick Mendis better in Test cricket and to me Murali’s doosra is more difficult to pick as it is concealed better," he concluded.
Courtesy : www.asianage.com
Jenner said what he had seen on this trip was more encouraging than witnessed last year. "There is more spin and less pace to be seen.
"Having seen bowlers around the world I have noticed young spinners in India usually try to bowl faster as the wickets here are usually slow and low.
"It is important for a bowler to understand what is the optimum speed for him would be. A 12-year-old can achieve turn only if he operates at less than 45-kmph. I have seen a few bowlers who have understood their bowling well and that’s a positive sign," explained Jenner.
The emergence of Twenty20 was good for the general interest of the game but the same could not be said for the development of spinners according to Jenner.
"A tournament like the IPL is here to stay. It’s good for the players and the viewing public but T20 is not the format for a developing spinner.
"The key here is to get under the bat and one saw Harbhajan Singh bowl fast yorkers during the World Cup. It will not be easy for beginners to come back to regular formats and toss the ball up," said Jenner.
Jenner also stressed the importance for slow bowlers to have their basics in place in order to work on their craft and improve it. "When Shane Warne made a comeback after a layoff in 2003 he picked 30 wickets in Sri Lanka. He managed to get them by operating at a slower speed.
"A strong front arm and the right alignment were the key to his success. It was the same with Anil Kumble in Australia in 2003-04. Without changing his action by too much he was able to add variations."
On the upcoming India-Lanka series, Jenner predicted a good contest between bat and ball. On Ajantha Mendis, Jenner said of what little he had seen of him he was impressed with his control but it was too early to predict.
"Warne and Muralitharan did not have the best of starts. In face Warne midway through his career had the most number of sixes against his name but look at what they achieved in the end. In a sense it is better to have a modest start as a spinner. I am sure the Indian batsmen will pick Mendis better in Test cricket and to me Murali’s doosra is more difficult to pick as it is concealed better," he concluded.
Courtesy : www.asianage.com