It was a training session of a different kind for G Force Academy as Graeme Smith took time out to work with their budding cricketers in a special coaching clinic in Dubai.
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The ex-South Africa captain, who was the chief guest of honour at last week’s 15th Shyam Bhatia Awards, offered his expertise and knowledge to 35 specially-selected youngsters in a three-hour class at Dubai’s DPS Academy.
With a hands-on approach, Smith demonstrated his skills with the bat, emphasising the importance of remaining focused at the crease while giving tips on how to change your position when batting against different bowling variations. For the 34-year-old, it was something that he relished.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve played over 100 Tests for South Africa and not many people have done that, so I feel I have a lot to offer in terms of knowledge,” said Smith, who scored over 15,000 international runs in his 12-year career. “For me, giving something back is very important and if I can help play a part in making the sport bigger in the region and bring more people to the sport then that’s great.”
Smith then swapped the field for the classroom where he held a question and answer session for the youngsters. The cricketers fielded a wide range of questions including what is needed to succeed in the game and what qualities a captain must have.
Thank you Graeme. Wonderful time. Stay blessed.@GraemeSmith49 #cricket #legend pic.twitter.com/JRS3HAaLCG
— G Force Cricket (@Gforcecricket) April 19, 2015
“Captaining is not an easy job it comes with a lot of responsibilities as you’re going to be the face of your team and should be able to present in a good way on and off the field,” said Smith, who captained South Africa in 284 matches in all three formats.
And if the youngsters were not motivated by Smith’s presence and advice, then they would have been after they were shown a video of him batting with a broken hand in his bid to save the 2009 Sydney Test, which they later lost.
“It was something that all the children were really touched by,” said G Force Academy head coach Gopal Jasapara, referring to the video. “It really shows that if any of them want to play at the highest level that they will have to overcome some tough challenges.”
Gopal, who also brought in South Africans Jonty Rhodes and Gary Kirsten to undertake clinics in the past year, added: “The children really enjoyed themselves. It was a good experience for everyone because it motivates them. Someone like Graeme Smith who has played for so many years and is considered as a great can only be encouraging. “He had a phenomenal career and it was a fantastic chance for kids to learn from him and help them improve their game.”
