ONE of the district's talented young cricketers is preparing for a trip to India.
Stocksfield's Luke Doneathy is one of six academy players at Durham County Cricket Club, who will attend a training programme in Bangalore.
It's the fourth successive year in which Durham's youngsters have embarked on the trip, which will give them the opportunity to experience sub-continent conditions, with a particular focus on batting skills.
Durham's Academy Director, John Windows, is hoping the players will respond positively to a different cricketing environment.
He said: "It's a change in environment, a completely different approach to cricket, so they'll have to adapt to the conditions, and practice alongside and against some excellent bowlers.
"Bangalore is absolutely cricket-mad and we're right in the centre of the city, which is a super experience for the lads.
"We're extremely well looked after by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, they have a real passion for cricket and are really pleased to have us, so it's a great relationship to have."
Doneathy will join fellow Durham youngsters Alex Lees, Jack Burnham, Liam Trevaskis, Ben Whitehead, and Rory Hanley, on the 12-day tour.
The players will undertake a series of training sessions at the prestigious M Chinnaswamy Stadium, home to IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore, while also playing two matches against strong local opposition.
Last summer, Doneathy memorably hit a century (113 not out, from 83 balls) at Lords, while representing the English Schools Cricket Association.
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