Coaches Roy Luke Dias and Jagat Tamata slacked the training in order to avoid injuries to the players. [break]
The training began with hit-the-stump with tennis ball among 13 players, which lasted for 10 minutes, while former captain Binod Das failed to show up due to personal reasons. Then, there were instructions not to take risks while the team practiced catching aerial balls. Fielding has been Nepali players plus point. They caught most of the ball and missed few. Mahboob Alam who is considered a weak fielder injured his ankle as he tripped while catching a ball.
Regular wicketkeeper Mahesh Chhetri was aided by all rounder Pradeep Aire in gloves hinting that he would be the second option as wicketkeeper in Italy. Coach Dias however brushed it off to keep his strategy a secret by saying that he was keeping the alternative wicketkeeper on the alert.
Then the turn came for batting. The players batted in the astro turf turn wise after captain Paras Khadka. The players were centered on batting as per the situation. The closed camp training ended with stretching and the players made it sure to fly to Italy on Saturday with proper training.
Nepal and US favorites
Nepal and the United States (US) are the title contenders of the Division-4 according to captain Khadka. Nepal had defeated the US to win the title of the Division-5 earlier this year on February.
“In my view, Nepal and the US are the favorites. Our aim is to reach at least the final,” Khadka told Republica. He further said that although Nepali team was affected by the monsoon, they will practice in Italy for one week before the league starts.
Coach Dias was glad that the players put in cent percent efforts in the training. The players were delighted to practice in the astro turf said Dias. As Division-4 will be played in astro turf, Nepal imported the artificial grass from England a week ago. The movement of ball depends upon what type of surface - mud, cement, and sand -- according to Dias.
“We are prepared to face all type of situations,” said Dias.
Two practice matches
Nepal will play two practice matches in Italy. The first is against the hosts Italy on August 10 and the second practice match is against Cayman Islands on August 12. Nepal will play the opener against the US on August 14. The match against Italy is scheduled for August 15 while Nepal will take on Cayman Islands on August 20.
Assistant coach
Nepali team is leaving for Italy without an assistant coach and a physio. Although Jagat Tamata was groomed as the assistant coach, he couldn´t assume the role as only a 16 member team, including 14 players, one coach and a team manager, are eligible to attend the Division-4 according to the quota provided by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“It is the decision of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to decide whom to send and whom not but it has caused me difficulty,” said Tamata. Coach Dias said sarcastically, “The decision of ICC is strange. They have eight officials in the World Cup but only two during its qualifiers.”
CAN spokesperson Tarakmani Dixit said they were helpless as the ICC sent visa only for 16 people.
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