The Australian Test Team at Taylors'

On the weekend of the 20th-22nd June, the School was privileged to host a visit from the Australian Cricket Test team for a 3-day training camp in preparation for the 2015 Ashes Series.

If this wasn’t enough of a coup, the Australian Team Manager gave the school 1st XI the “chance of a lifetime” opportunity to train with the Australian squad. The boys jumped at this incredible opportunity, and prepared to bowl at some of the best players in the world. The training began with a brief from the Australian coach; our boys were simply told to ‘relax and express themselves!’ Some of our bowlers managed to trouble the Australian batsmen in the nets, and Uzair Khan managed to take five Australian wickets. Furthermore, Charlie Aarons bowled Adam Voges, and was lucky enough to receive a pair of his batting gloves – a typically generous touch from the Australian star.

At one stage, our six net bowlers were bowling at Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, David Warner, and Steve Smith, the Australian top four batsmen! Andrew Thomas and Nikhil Rawal had the chance to keep wicket to some of the fearsome Australian fast bowlers, and spinner. After the session, both Andrew and Nikhil were treated to a superb wicket keeping ‘Master Class’ from veteran star Brad Haddin. The First XI captain Scott Gates, Barney Close, and Michael Brown were lucky enough to field in the practice game, at one stage Scott was bravely fielding at point – with David Warner at the crease!

We were all humbled by how pleasant the Australian team were, and it was fantastic to see our pupils interacting with some of the super stars of the game. To make the day even more special, Sky News interviewed Ashwyn Randev, Deven Patel, and Andrew Thomas and then aired the broadcast to global markets.

Michael Clarke used the OMT Clubhouse for the Australians’ first press conference of the tour and was an incredible gentleman, especially when he was asked about the significance of the boys having taken some Australian wickets! He replied with characteristic self-deprecating modesty and generosity, affording Sky the later “clickbait” headline, “Schoolboys bowl out Aussies”.

Steve Smith was also incredibly kind to the boys, posing for photos with the Juniors, and giving out memorabilia that the boys will treasure forever. Special thanks needs to go to Richard Ayling, Scott Patterson and the whole of the Grounds team who produced two International standard pitches, which ultimately separates Merchant Taylors’ from every school in the land. The experiences gained by our pupils will last a lifetime; it was a special day for everyone involved.

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