This week featured a gripping cricket match featuring the Under-13 students’ match between Northern Districts (ND) and the visiting Adams and Mandan Lal cricket academy boys in India.
The match took place at Heffron Park in Maroubra and saw the Australian and Indian cricket communities come together in a unique cultural exchange.
The 40-over match at Heffron Park was just one example of the wealth of talent emerging from both countries. The importance of mentoring, financing and access to facilities for young athletes was also highlighted.
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Bruce Adams, director of the Adams Cricket Academy, is known for leading a team of former first-class players and coaches hosting children from remote areas of India.
His initiative is part of the academy’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality training, mentoring and education, helping young talents realize their dreams both on and off the cricket field.
“The world of cricket is an amazing place,” Adams shared on LinkedIn. “I met most of my friends thanks to this great game.”
Adams’ passion for the sport is evident as he continues to mentor aspiring cricketers from multicultural backgrounds, offering them opportunities to shine in cricket and beyond.
However, the event’s success went far beyond the game itself. The day was marked by the generous commitment of parents and volunteers who made the Indian guests feel welcome and supported.
Among the volunteers was Dr. Lurion De Mello, an economist and cricket enthusiast who gave up his annual leave to participate in the event.
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“What better way to spend the day than attending this amazing match,” said Dr. De Mello.
“It’s not often that aspiring Indian teenagers make it to our shores – it’s usually the other way around, with Australian players heading to India. It was a rare and significant opportunity.”
Dr De Mello praised Randwick Borough Council for their excellent pitch and surface which remained dry, all thanks to an excellent drainage system despite the unpredictable weather.
“Glory to the Council! Special thanks also go to Cricket NSW and Suffan Hassan for helping to secure this beautiful area at Maroubra,” added Dr De Mello.
Dr De Mello expressed gratitude to his employer, Macquarie University, and its Widening Participation team for their contribution.
“I am very grateful to Macquarie University and my colleagues for their efforts. Many of these boys come from low socio-economic backgrounds and the joy and excitement they experienced today was priceless.”
The importance of such exchanges, Dr De Mello added, lies in their ability to strengthen Australian-Indian cultural ties, a relationship he hopes will continue to develop in the future. “Bruce Adams and Kunal Lall, until we meet again. Let’s keep this bond strong.”
Kunal Madanlal Sharma, coach of the Indian U-13 team and director of Matchcraft Sports Management, is equally passionate about the role education plays in the development of young cricketers.
Sharma, a former first-class cricketer who played for Delhi’s U-16 and U-19 national teams, runs the Amenity Madan Lal Residential Cricket School in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, which aims to provide grassroots training to young cricketers with the support of Indian cricket legends such as Kapil Dev and Madan Lal.
As Dr. De Mello concluded, “What a fulfilling day! Months of planning resulted in not only a great match, but also the joy of watching these young boys develop. Let us continue to support these cross-border initiatives and develop talent not only in India but also here in Australia.”
The diaspora community from the Indian subcontinent in Western Sydney also came out to support the match and contribute, making it a true celebration of cricket and cultural unity.
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