Language of cricket

In Melbourne for an ICC Qualifier, the Japanese cricket team spoke to the students in their native Japanese about the rules of cricket and then lead skill-based drills with the students.

The clinic is a result of a sequence of MILO in2Cricket Skills clinics in the school that began over summer.

South East Metro Regional Cricket Manager Stuart Clark said that with the translating skills of the senior students, the MILO in2Cricket Skills program in the Japanese community has evolved into a valuable community connection.

“The kids from the Japanese School of Melbourne have certainly shown us how much they like learning the skills of cricket, and how enthusiastic they are to practice and learn how to play the game,” Clark said.

“The visit from the Japanese National team has created excitement at the school.”

Cricket Victoria’s partnership with Japan Cricket and Korea Cricket via the Cricket Australia and the ICC Development program, has played an important part in delivering a high quality program this summer to a community that’s not often linked to cricket.

Former Australian test player Julien Weiner, who recently coached the Victorian team to victory at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, also coaches the Japanese national side. It’s not the only connection between Australian and Japanese cricket.

“There is a pride in performance that exists in Japan Cricket,” Clark, who has also taught cricket in primary and secondary schools in Japan, said.

“There are many challenges involved in booking venues to play senior cricket in Japan. However, there is minimal difference to how a junior club operates here in Australia – a same heavy reliance on passionate club volunteers to teach cricket to enthusiastic youngsters.”