England’s pointman for contrast swing off to Oz: ‘want to pass on knowledge’ |
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Saturday April 15, 03:33 AM
Contrast swing, world cricket’s new bowling mantra, is on its way from England to Australia. And that’s just one reason why England will miss their bowling coach Troy Cooley, who worked with India-born NASA scientist Dr Rabindra Mehta on getting his seamers to swing it the wrong way.
As Cooley wound up his last practice session with the English team in Indore today, his new assignment—as bowling coach of Australia—is clear: ‘‘While I am busy learning, I want to pass on the knowledge that has come to me.’’
Of course, it’s not just for contrast swing that England will remember the 40-year-old for. Since he took over during England’s West Indies tour of 2004, he has got Andrew Flintoff to bowl faster and Simon Jones to stay fit.
But then, the art of swinging the old ball both ways at different speeds with an upright seam on flat wickets—the essence of contrast swing—will remain Cooley’s lasting contribution. And the coach is quick to thank the man who started it all. ‘‘Working with Dr Rabindra Mehta and getting to understand more about contrast swing has been a huge effort,’’ he says.
‘‘We began to seriously pursue this theory during the Ashes series in England last summer,’’ says Cooley, adding that this was one of the big factors that helped the team topple Australia. And ironically enough, this is what he hopes will swing it for Australia in the return leg this year.
Cooley says he worked further on Dr Mehta’s theory over the winter. ‘‘Dr Mehta’s suggestions have left me in no doubt that this is something to keenly study and follow,’’ he says.
‘‘Contrast swing is an odd form of swing bowling, one that isn’t based only on seam and weather conditions. It has to do with various other things like where the ball pitches, how it is held. One has to learn more and understand better,’’ says Cooley, adding that he is now keen to work with Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.
For England, Cooley’s departure means the baton passes to Somerset’s Kevin Shine, who joined the side this week. ‘‘These (England) bowlers have unique qualities and I am thankful to Troy that he’s leaving everything in such pretty shape,’’ says Shine.
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