As many will have already seen on the Leinster Youth Twitter account ( @LeinsterYouth), Cillian McDonnell has been experiencing the challenge of bowling to the Cricket Australia squad prior to the Test series, and in particular world number one batsman Steve Smith.
Some excellent footage and images have been provided from the training session, which is posted on @LeinsterYouth and reproduced below. It also shows bowling footage of Knockharley’s Daniel Swift.
Cillian spoke to Cricket Leinster officials about enjoying the challenge but also the incredibly kind words and actions of the Cricket Australia squad, led by Steve Smith in making him not only welcome but to see his potential to go further in cricket if he makes the commitment.
Brian O’Rourke, CDM of Cricket Leinster noted ‘the South African placements are a true once-in-a lifetime experience and none of us could have predicted Cillian would be taking on the challenge of bowling to Steve Smith. However, I always ask the players to embrace all opportunities that come their way, and it is clear that Cillian had an amazing experience. Once again, Cricket Leinster thanks all those involved in Cillian’s placement in Durban, in particular Glenwood High school”.
O’Rourke added that “I do hope the next time Cillian is bowling to Steve it is at the new international ground at Abbotstown, West Dublin in the green of Ireland……”.
To keep up to date with all the news from South Africa and all of the development programmes currently being delivered in Leinster, log onto the twitter account @LeinsterYouth.