INTRODUCTION

IN 2023/24, Ellerslie Cricket Club will introduce a Pathways Program which allows our aspiring young cricketers with the opportunity to play in more competitive cricket matches against other clubs in Auckland. The aim is to provide participants an introduction to and ongoing support in a setting which challenges their cricket skills and prepares them for school and district cricket. 

All junior members are welcome to register their interest in the program with the club. We will endeavour to provide opportunities for as many players as possible, however due to the performance nature of the program we may provide opportunities to trial for teams. If you child is not selected for merit-based teams or the program in general, they/you will receive feedback on why that is, and a plan to increase their skills for future.

Being a Pathways participant will come at an additional cost and this will be determined closer to the program start date. 

More information will be sent to members as the season progresses.

ECC PLAYER PATHWAY - FROM JUNIOR SKILLS TO THE BLACK CAPS

AUCKLAND CENTRAL DISTRICT CRICKET

Auckland Central District Cricket squad brings together Ellerslie and Cornwall Cricket Clubs most talented Under-17 and Under-19 players. 

The emphasis of playing in an Auckland wide age group tournament is on the ‘elite’ players. Unlike the philosophy that Ellerslie has on player development across all abilities and grades, the focus at Central is on identifying and developing the elite players in each cohort. This is less egalitarian and can create a clash of ideologies where this change of focus is not well understood.

CENTRAL TRIALS

The trial process of assessing potential tournament players involves a larger group than that involved in the academies and takes into account a range of factors:

Central trials may take the form of games and/or net sessions, and knowledge gleaned by coaches from the previous season and across the winter training/academies.

CENTRAL TEAM SELECTIONS

These are undertaken at the conclusion of the trial process, and may involve some feedback from the grade convenors.The thrust of the selection is to try and ensure an overall mix to produce a competitive team. The desired selection criteria are:

• Batters need to score runs (at an appropriate run rate)
• Pace bowlers need to bowl with pace (and take wickets)
• Spin bowlers need to spin the ball (and take wickets)
• Swing bowlers need to swing the ball (and take wickets)
• Fielders need to display athleticism and awareness
• Wicket keepers need to be energetic, tidy behind the stumps, and stop every ball

Selections are generally completed by late October or early November, when shadow teams are announced. These teams may still need to be tweaked to take account of current form and/or injury. There should be a clear understanding the Central coaches are the final arbiters on selection.

KEY CONTACTS

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.