'I'm inspired to be better'

Senior national cricketer Damali Bell is making steady strides at the Kent Cricket Academy.

The 19-year-old all-rounder is currently being put through his paces by England and Wales Cricket Board certified coaches, whose mission is to iron out any kinks in the Bermudian’s bowling arsenal.

Bell said: “They are really trying to discover flaws in my action and teach me new techniques to improve my bowling.”

“When I first arrived my bowling wasn’t as consistent but now I’m bowling with more consistency and the coaches have observed this as well.

“I have improved a bit and now I’m putting the ball in the right areas more consistently.”

The Cleveland County player received a National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Award to pursue his cricket ambitions in the UK shortly after Bermuda’s disastrous World Cricket League Division Two campaign in Dubai.

Each week he gets the opportunity to train with Kent County Cricket Club’s first team players in the nets as well as training with his academy peers.

Bell is excited to be surrounded by some of the club’s elite players and says he’s looking forward to training with Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.
Mahmood, who is one of four overseas players on Kent’s roster, specializes in bowling at the death in limited overs cricket.

“I’m supposed to have a few sessions with him to help my bowling.

“Training with players of this calibre inspires me to become better.”

On weekends the left-arm seamer gets to put what he’s being taught at the academy into practice playing for St Lawrence in the Kent Cricket League that he rates highly.

“It’s a step up from what cricket is like in Bermuda and is a good level for me to learn and improve my cricket.

“Out here a lot of the teams are able to bat through the overs while the bowlers are on point.”

Like many players of his generation, Bell hopes to play the sport professionally one day.

Positive

“Hopefully I can do enough to earn a contract to come back here and play cricket.

“I’m doing pretty good so far. I’ve only had one really bad game. I got three wickets in my first game, the second game I got one and the last two I didn’t get any.”

Among those who recommended that Bell attend the UK academy was national coach David Moore who holds the budding cricketer in high esteem.

The former West Indies coach said: “He is a hard working individual who shows commitment and dedication in practice and during games.

“Damali demonstrates good behaviour both on and off the field and is a positive member of the national team.”