Harris, who is hired by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for a 10-day-long special training for the national team, at a press conference on Wednesday said he was surprised to see the batting capabilities of Nepali players.[break]
"I´m waiting for the upcoming tournaments with my fingers crossed. And, I expect good batting performance by the Nepali team in New Zealand," said Harris, who will return to Australia on Friday.
According to Harris, he talked about batting in T20 format as well as One-Day matches. "We even utilized rainy day by conducting theory sessions," he added.
Harris said that Nepali batsmen have problems playing backfoot shots, pull shots and full-length deliveries pitched on middle stump. "They are used to hitting full-length deliveries to square leg and mid-wicket regions and I gave them tips on hitting to mid-on. They have to adjust shots in different wicket conditions," explained Harris.
Harris denied that Nepali batsmen are vulnerable while facing genuine pace attack. "Technically they are not vulnerable," said Harris, adding that they need more exposure.
"I´ve very high expectations from this team in New Zealand. We have worked here on a concrete pitch, which is very bouncy and suits the condition of New Zealand wicket," he added.
Harris said that Nepali batsmen are adept at whipping the ball to square leg and playing cut shots. "They are fluent and they need minor improvement," said Harris.
Romesh Kaluarachchi, a first class Sri Lankan fast bowler, said he found talented players in the Nepali team. "We are here to help them and we wish them to do their best in the World T20 Qualifiers," he said.
Four Sri Lankan bowlers are in Kathmandu to help Nepali bowlers for the upcoming tournaments.Nepal is scheduled to play the World T20 Qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates in November and the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in New Zealand in January 2014.
The CAN has been running High Performance Program (HPP) to prepare the Nepali national team for both the tournaments. Harris and the four Sri Lankan bowlers have been invited by the CAN under the program.
Practice matches in Australia
Nepali national team will play some practice matches in Australia ahead of the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers.
"Nepali team will play some practice matches in Victoria in Australia ahead of the qualifiers. Chris [Harris] has made all the arrangements," said Nepali team manager Purna Lama.
Nepali team is also scheduled to play practice matches in Delhi, India before the World T20 Qualifiers. According to CAN, Nepali team will play altogether seven matches in India -- three against Delhi District Cricket Association, two against Railways Cricket Team and two other matches against local teams.
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