The State Pathway Academy program has been established to assist cricketers transition from underage State teams and Premier Cricket into senior State squads and beyond. Impressive performances and talent from premier cricket feeds into the selection of the Pathway Academy, and provides an opportunity for players to prepare and progress to a higher level of cricket
The game of cricket can present many physical and mental challenges to players. Changes in environment, pitch conditions, weather and opposition crowds are just some of the difficulties players face. Recently, it has been highlighted that players require a greater ability to deal with adversity or situations outside of their control.
The concept of a SACA Academy overseas tour is a means to fast-track the development of players and expose them to ‘being comfortable with being uncomfortable’. This strategic trip aims to immerse pathways players in challenging conditions, offering them a unique opportunity to grow beyond the comforts of their familiar environments.
The primary goal of this tour is to expose players to the diverse and often demanding conditions found when playing cricket in India. Known for its varied pitches, unpredictable weather, and intense competition, India provides an ideal setting for players to test their problem-solving skills and tactical awareness. By confronting these challenges in a match setting, players can develop greater resilience and adaptability – traits essential for success at the higher levels of cricket.
Thirteen Under-19 and Under-23 pathway players travelled to India earlier this year for the SACA Academy tour. Over the almost two-week long tour, the squad participated in three 50-over games and one three-day game against local sides with the anticipated unpredictability of pitch conditions and preparation.
The exposure to Indian conditions proved invaluable. Players developed a deeper understanding of how to adjust their game plans in response to varying conditions. The experience also fostered a greater sense of resilience as players learned to remain focused and adapt under pressure.
Among the thirteen pathways players selected for the tour were Liam Scott and Harry Matthias.
“India is a pretty confronting and extraordinary place. The culture is significantly different and that itself was probably the biggest challenge, Scott said.
“As a pretty structured and organised bloke they are just the complete opposite, everything comes together but at the very last minute. We never really knew what the next day looked like which is pretty amazing. I think dealing with change and all those uncontrollable factors was challenging but allowed me to develop with dealing things on the go.”
Harry Matthias used the opportunity to implement some of his big work ons he’d been chipping away at in the off season and enjoyed the ability to spend game time batting and keeping in the middle of July, despite the challenging conditions.
“India is known for its extreme conditions whether it was the heat and humidity or the red dirt wickets which turned square, said Matthias.
“It was cool trying to find ways to combat those conditions for both batting and keeping. Those who did well were able to adapt quickly and learn on the spot which I believe is the most important takeaway.
Matthias also reflected on the importance of the tour for emerging players because it exposes them to extremely different conditions to Australia both on and off the field.
“This exposure is the best way to learn as facing the big turn and the low skiddy pace of India is something you won’t do in Australia. Being exposed to these conditions, especially at a young age will hopefully make it easier to face the ‘less extreme’ conditions back home here in Adelaide. Personally, I was taken back by the extreme poverty Karnataka, Bangalore revealed, which made me and the boys appreciative for what we have here and for how much is at our disposal.”
The squad of thirteen pathways players were accompanied on the tour by Talent Manager, Shaun Williams.
“There is no substitute or short-cuts in providing these actual real-life experiences and we must endeavour to continue to provide such opportunities for our identified, highly talented younger generation of players to keep developing their own comprehensive bank of skills, knowledge and tactical awareness that every successful first-class player requires, Shaun said.
“It is important to note that a once-off Academy tour to India is not a silver-bullet solution to all things player development, however it can and does provide a valuable (life and game) learning experience that we simply cannot provide in Adelaide.”