Mirza Makes The Most Of South Africa Trip
US
young cricketer, Cameron Mirza, has impressed coaches and fellow
players at the International Pro Camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa
that finished on December 4th. The 16-year old opening
batsman - the youngest ever to take part in such a camp run by North
West Cricket - played in both matches during the week at the University
grounds. And with most of the attendees not realizing the US even
played cricket, his presence has created a real stir.
North
West Cricket batting consultant, Monty Jacobs was on hand to
assess Mirza in a mixed match of first-class and academy contracted
players and against national team Namibia Under 19s. Jacobs, who is
widely regarded as one of South Africa’s top batting coaches, thought
he appeared unfazed and very organised. ‘’Cameron is a really
good-looking player comparable to others at this camp'', he commented.
''There are some small technical tweaks he can make that will help him
adjust to grass pitches but he will improve the more he plays on real
turf. For a 16 year-old to come in at this level from the USA, out of
his winter and not look out of place in any way is a real credit to him
and his coach. ”
Brett Pelser,
captain of the North West Cricket first-class franchise team the NW
Dragons was attending the camp himself. He said, ''It's exciting to see
emerging talent like this from outside the Test playing countries.
Cameron is a super lad and fitted in really well with his peers. You
can only wonder how far up the ladder he could climb with the right
opportunities. He's been a credit to his country and we are all now
keeping an eye out for his development as I feel sure we could see him
go to the top if he can continue his rapid improvements.''
During
the week Mirza received further expert batting, bowling and fielding
coaching from Zimbabwe National Coach Kevin Curran and South African
‘A’ Head Coach, Corrie van Zyl plus South African professionals Andrew
Hall who plays for Northants, and Deon Kruis who is overseas pro with
Yorkshire. Mirza’s fledgling off spin also received special praise from
van Zyl as having the best action of all the spin bowlers at the camp,
which he then backed up by grabbing two wickets in a tidy three overs
against Namibia.
Mirza is now staying on for an extra 4 days to work intensely with his coach, Mavericks Cricket founder, Ian Pont. Pont
arranged for the trip and also utilised the extra time to have Mirza
seen by first-class player Pierre Joubert, who is captain of the Nashua
Titans team currently playing at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. Joubert
along with fellow Titans player Farhaan Behardien, watched Mirza in the
nets and offered their help and advice.
‘’He is a
sweet timer of the ball’’, said Joubert. ‘’It will help him to move his
feet less before the ball is bowled on grass and also to set his base a
bit more strongly. But I see some really good talent here.” Behardien
added, ‘’we watched him from the next net and were really impressed. I
had no idea the USA played cricket or that he was only 16.”
Mirza
leaves South Africa on Tuesday and is already excited by this
experience of a lifetime. ‘’Senwes Park is one of the most beautiful
grounds I have ever seen and it’s been amazing to be able to train
here’’, he said. ‘My batting, bowling and fielding have all improved in
such a short time and I have learned a lot, which I hope will put me in
a good place for the future. ‘’