Japanese and Victorian cricket partnership gets off to a flying start

September 25, 2001

From August 9 to 16 Victorian Cricket Association Coaching and Development Officer Mark McAllion joined myself on a coaching/promotional visit to Japan. This was the first project in a partnership between the Japanese and Victorian Cricket Association's, which was recently established by the ICC East Asia Pacific region. The following article outlines Mark's thoughts following this inaugural visit. Tim Anderson, ICC Development Officer, East Asia – Pacific Region

Mark McAllion giving some tips to young Japanese wicketkeeper, Yuta Yamaguchi © ICC

What a week! I feel as if I have been involved in the Japanese version of the 'Survivor' television show. Hot weather, hard work, very little sleep and many challenges.

On the trip I was accompanied by ICC Development Officer Tim Anderson. Ex Victorian all rounder Shaun Williams is also currently working in Japan and he spent the week with us assisting with the coaching.

We were advised to travel light which is difficult when you are taking 2 bags of cricket equipment, coaching and umpires manuals, heaps of giveaways and your own clothes! Unfortunately we learnt the hard way and struggled our way on trains and through the streets with all our gear. At our first hotel we were offered either an economy or deluxe room – easy decision that one! Our room was quite small, hate to see the economy!

Tim & I both struggled to sleep on the plane however we were comforted by the fact that our hotel room awaited us in Tokyo. Our hosts had different ideas! We were picked up from the airport and taken to a University Summer Camp Cricket Competition – basically a group of Uni. students playing cricket every day during the final week of their holidays. The spirit and enjoyment at the Camp was outstanding with mixed teams competing on unprepared pitches in the middle of Soccer Grounds. Tim & I were called upon to provide coaching tips and activities for those not currently involved in the matches. A great introduction to the atmosphere of Japanese Cricket!

Following a well earnt sleep on night one we travelled to Kamakura to attend a party at our hosts parents house, and to watch a fireworks display – plenty of beautiful food and great hospitality! Then off to Fuji (5 hour car trip) for our first day of coaching. The ground, with a synthetic wicket, has been cut out of a huge paddock not far from the base of Mt Fuji (the largest mountain in Japan). The track for the Bullet Train is nearby, and it flies past regularly. A great photo opportunity to be standing on a cricket pitch with the Bullet Train in the near background and Mt Fuji behind that! Unfortunately Mt Fuji is only visible for a small time each year and August is not that time!

Women are jumping for joy about cricket in Japan © ICC

We spent 2 days coaching and educating the Japanese National Squad, many of who had travelled over 6 hours to attend! This was a very enjoyable experience, with the enthusiasm and the willingness to learn and listen (mostly through interpreters) excellent. Several very talented players who may not have had the upbringing on the game but certainly have the physical talent. The many questions asked displayed the players knowledge of cricket, with every player having the ability to correctly use the scorebook!

In Fuji we were taken out for dinner and then to an 'Aussie Bar' for drinks. The bar was opened by an Australian – former national coach Glen Carter. Funnily enough all the Japanese there were drinking famous Australian beers, namely VB and Crown Lagers, while the visiting Aussies tried the local ales.

We travelled back to Tokyo and the next 2 days we coached and educated a large group of University students who were extremely keen on their cricket. Most had their own equipment, all major brands, and understood the game well. This ground was very interesting – a synthetic wicket near a river, beautiful setting. The only problem was the 3 embankments behind the wicketkeeper at one end. Our hosts had great delight in explaining that on the ground you actually field at '2nd step' not '2nd slip'!

At this stage not a great deal of sleep has occurred due to overnight travel or being taken out to experience the local culture. A highlight was a meal at a traditional Japanese Restaurant which included Sushi, Sake etc.

The potential for cricket in Japan is enormous. The intricacies of cricket suits the Japanese and their passion, love of sport and a population of 126.2 million certainly provides a possible market. (During our stay the finals of the Japanese Schoolboys Baseball Competition were being played in front of crowds 30,000 at Osaka Stadium and also telecast live on National TV!)

Given time Japan could be another area cricket looks to recruit players, similar to the Australian Football League with Ireland. In the very long term Japan could be a country playing at the highest level! It will only take a very small percentage of the Japanese population to take up cricket to make our participation numbers look tiny by comparison.

Overall I had a fantastic time experiencing the culture, food, tradition, hospitality and most of all the cricket of a wonderful country. The trip also tested my coaching ability with demonstration and also providing feedback without talking being extremely challenging. The one thing I definitely did not experience – sleep!

MARK McALLION
COACHING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
VICTORIAN CRICKET ASSOCIATION

© ICC