`My job is to pass on information’

Later, speaking to the media Marsh spoke about his plans that would help Indian cricket look up. “Let’s put it this way, I am here to pass on the information that I’ve learnt over the years playing alongside Allan Border, Mark Taylor, the Waughs and the like,” he said.

“The game of cricket is growing and going global. It has changed a lot in the last one decade. Therefore it is important for us to keep looking for new ideas that can help us make the game all the more better.” Comparing the changes in the attitude of the players of yesteryear and today he said, “the kids of today are brought up on one-dayers. They learn to play shots at an early age but need to be taught about the important aspects of technique.”

Citing the example of Sunil Gavaskar, he explained, “Gavaskar was a great player and his technique was flawless because his basics were near perfect. That was the reason why he was so successful at any form of the game.”

Marsh felt people in India not only loved the game of cricket but were passionate about it. “What we need is to prepare these talented youngsters for the international level. When they face bowlers like say Glenn McGrath or Darren Gough they will need the technique to tackle them. This can only happen if they have good technique which again will come only by practising hard and for a purpose. They will need to train for match-situations through good mixture of training and practice.”

About his role of coaching the coaches, Marsh said he has planned to call for a seminar for the coaches in February next year for which he is in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Marsh said he was highly impressed with the NCA in Bangalore terming it a “much better” academy than in Australia. “NCA is fantastic. In comparison to the one in Australia I feel this set up is better. It is all in one — good training facilities, 20 outdoor pitches, bowling machines, lecture rooms, first-class accommodation — everything for top young cricketers from all over the country to use and come up as the best.”

Marsh hoped that the combination of himself and India coach John Wright of New Zealand would prove successful. “We’ll give it their best shot,” he said adding “that’s the most important thing.”

When queried as to what makes Australia world beaters, he had a simple one-line answer — “hard work and nothing else.”

Marsh will fly back home for Christmas before returning in the New Year to resume duties.