Unearthing young talent since 2003
The popular Diamonds in the Bush program is aimed at unearthing young talent across the state.
Established in 2003 by Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers coach Greg Shipperd, the program aims to identify quality players who have 'slipped through the net' in the talent identification process of the Cricket Victoria Pathway.
Victorian players that have come from regional areas include; Meyrick Buchanan (Colac), Aaron Finch (Colac), Alex Keath (Shepparton), Andrew McDonald (Albury/Wodonga), Steven Reid (Birchip) Peter Siddle (Morwell) and Cameron White (Bairnsdale).
Under the tutelage of Bushrangers players, Cricket Victoria's high performance coaches and Regional Cricket Managers, practical coaching sessions are conducted.
For many young players, this is their first experience with professional coaching, and their first opportunity to meet and talk to Victorian state cricketers.
The Diamonds in the Bush program typically also includes evening seminars where presenters discuss topics relevant to the audience (both practical and theory).
Objectives of the program
- Skill development of Pathway players;
- Expose young players to professional cricketers and high-quality coaches;
- Provide opportunity for local coaches to tap into current coaching trends and information;
- Provide a high-class training environment at the best possible venues in country regions;
- Identify talented young players; and
- Develop Bushranger players, high performance coaches and Regional Cricket Managers by facilitating interaction and knowledge sharing.
