A UNIQUE opportunity was given to South Gloucestershire and Stroud college student George Drissell last month, allowing him to train in India after being put forward by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

The 17 year old was selected by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club to attend a ten day cricket coaching course in India during the half term period.

Whilst there George spent time improving his cricket; batting and bowling in testing conditions, high temperatures and on very different surfaces. George is an off-spinner and batsman and was coached by local Indian experts as well as coaches from the County Club.

In the time he was there he was also able to bowl with Australian international players who were touring India at the time.

George is currently studying Sport at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College whilst also playing for the Bristol Academy of Sport Cricket Academy. He comments: "It was an amazing experience and I was able to work on some specific skills during the ten day trip.

"Playing on the sub-continent is completely different to playing in the UK and I hope it will improve my all round game. Away from the training it was great to see so many local cricketers of all ages and abilities playing on local parks and on virtually every street.

"In one park, not unlike The Downs in Bristol, there were matches being played alongside and across each other with hundreds playing and fielders standing on what we would consider to be another ground!"

SGS College Head Coach, Simon Hinks, stated: "This was an outstanding opportunity for George, he has worked with the first class cricketers at Gloucestershire throughout the winter and played a number of Gloucestershire Academy matches last summer.

"The trip to India will add to George's considerable skill sets and give him a variety of new tools to make a smooth transition into a professional cricket career."