‘The boys are really talented’
For Nick Berman, coaching cricket is more than a passion despite politics being his profession. Being the Mayor of Hornsby Shire, a northern suburb of Sydney, Berman is satisfied with his successful dual role in life.
Pleased with the climatic conditions for cricket in Bengaluru, Berman plans to visit the city again during May. “The pleasant weather is perfect to coach and play. These boys are really talented. You end up enjoying your work. I hope to come back again next year,” he added.
From improving infrastructure, developing socio-economic activities and coaching youngsters, the cricketer-turned-politician leads a hectic lifestyle. “I’m in my second term as the mayor. I won by a small margin of 78 votes. Being a coach and a politician keeps me on my toes throughout the year,” said Berman, who was in the city on a coaching trip at the Jain College.
The burly Berman entered politics nine summers ago and is actively promoting sports in his locality. “Managing the council and handling the children is widely different. I’ve been into coaching over the last few years. During my reign, I have actively improved the sports infrastructure and developed few grounds,” said the chief of Northern District Cricket Club.
The 39-year-old currently plays in the fifth division. “I play along with the kids aged 12-15 years. My job is to groom and teach them play good cricket,” he added.
As a budding cricketer, Berman trained under Barry Knight and also played along the former Australian batsman Allan Border. “It was during the Under-15s I played along with (Allan) Border. We played for the same club,” stated the all-rounder, who recently signed up former Sri Lankan spinner Upul Chandana for his club. But on Friday, the leg spinner Chandana returned home citing family problems.
Being part of the Power Education cricket clinic with former English Test cricketer Knight leading the unit, Berman takes his part-time job as a challenge. “I wasn’t so disciplined during my hey days. But in cricket, it plays an important role in maturing a player. I guide them to be a good person on and off the field. I usually concentrate on improving their fielding techniques and make them strong mentally,” said the former New South Wales junior cricketer.
With Power Education attempting to reach other cricketing towns of the country, Berman hopes to train more players in the future. “During my next visit I’d like to train more boys and groom them the Aussie way of playing,” he concluded.
In their next stint, the Bengaluru cricketers might get a chance to train under legends Bob Simpson and Garfield Sobers sometime next year.
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