Kalsi to get some expert advice in New Zealand

By ajones

A YOUNG North Devon cricketer flew to New Zealand this week in the latest stage of his bid to break into first-class cricket.

Jas Kalsi, an 18-year-old from Bickington, is spending four months at the Bracewell Cricket Academy in Napier, where he is due to take part in net sessions with the touring West Indies squad.

He will work with former Test player Brendon Bracewell, brother of Gloucestershire and former New Zealand coach John Bracewell.

The academy boss is an expert in fast bowling and all-rounder Kalsi hopes to develop a new action which will help avoid the injuries that have hampered his progress.

"I was having a gap year and looking for things to do, so I applied to the Academy," said Kalsi. "I've had a back injury since January. Bracewell's speciality is fast bowling, so he'll help me with my technique and get me an action that will help me to bowl without getting injured.

"My main aim is to improve my all-round game. With bowling, I want to get more pace. At the moment I bowl at about 80mph but I'd love to get to 85mph+ — hopefully he can help me with that. My main aim with my batting is to learn to score more runs!"

As well as training, Kalsi will play matches for the Academy on Saturdays and Sundays before returning to England in time for the new season with North Devon and Filleigh. He also hopes to get some games with Devon Under-21s and Gloucestershire Under-19s.

Kalsi signed off before his trip with a score of 33 as his West Buckland side clinched their indoor series against Mavericks with a third successive win. Jamie Overton's unbeaten 52 and 2-29 helped Buckland to a 27-run victory.

West Buckland School pupil James Bently top scored in Mavericks' reply with 19.

Overton was the man of the series, scoring 164 runs in three innings and only being dismissed once.