Fast bowling is not just a matter of bowling fast, but the art of surprising and breaking the rhythm of a batsman, Rumesh Ratnayake, former Test cricketer, told South Asian Focus.
The former Sri Lankan pacer recently held a two-week training camp at the G. Ross Lord Park in Toronto in which some 35 fast bowlers across Canada learnt a variety of new techniques.
In the camp Ratnayake— who was on a brief tour— introduced a unique technique. A mini trampoline was placed at the bowling end and bowlers stepped on it in their delivery stride in order to gain the maximum height and bowl fast.
The players also practised with a bowling alley ball that was 10 times bigger that the usual cricket ball, and weighed 5 kilos. They also bowled the ball in an unusual style, holding it with both hands over their heads while jumping over the trampoline.
While unusual, the Lankan pacer pointed out this same technique was adopted by Australian bowlers 10 years ago. “And that’s why they are dominating the world— so why not Canadians?”
He explained the bowling alley medicine ball makes bowlers strong while the trampoline helps them bowl fast. “You will see the difference after some time.
“This technique helps players strengthen their core abs, arms, legs and other areas,” Ratnayake added. “It also helps improve proper posture. If you don’t have proper posture, it means you have some areas you need to work on.” He also worked on improving the bowlers’ accuracy, and drilling in the proper bowling style— areas where the pacers needed to improve to take them to the next level.
Ratnayake’s efforts have certainly helped those at the camp. “Earlier we were just bowling without knowing what is right or wrong. I thought my arm’s movement was perfect, but he pointed out how I can improve. I feel lucky to have him train me,” said Harvir Baidwan of Malton, who captured 7 wickets for Ontario A in the recently concluded ScotiaBank Twenty20 National Cricket Championship at Kings City.
Ratnayake is optimistic about Canada’s future. “I’m here only for a short tour, but these boys have God-gifted skills and should easily move up to the next level.”

 Toronto pacers on fire
By NOUMAN KHALIL
Staff Writer
Of 35 fast bowlers who attended the two-week camp with Rumesh Ratnayake, five pacers from the GTA region have been picked to the national squad, and 10 others are on the backup list.
The five are: Umar Bhatti, Henry Osinde, Sanjay Thuraisingham, Harvir Baidwan and Eion Katchy.
Canada is gearing up for next month’s series of three One-Day Internationals and one four-day match with a visiting Bermuda, and a maiden four-day match with Scotland. In late July, the national team will depart for Ireland, where they will contest the Twenty20 World Cricket 2009 qualifiers.
“For the last six months we’ve been working hard and I’m hopeful the boys will perform well,” said Pubudu Dassanayake, the national team coach. “Ratnayaka has done a great job while polishing our fast bowlers and now we’re looking forward to win all the games this summer.”
ICC’s six associate members— Bermuda, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Kenya and Scotland— will take on each other in the qualifying matches. Twenty20 World Cricket 2009 will be held in England next May.