Callum leads the way

“Looking to experience a new cricket environment in a different country and to work on specific aspects of my game with the best coaches I could possibly work with” was Callum Lea’s motivations for joining the Gary Kirsten Cricket High Performance Academy 2019. Callum hails from Worcestershire, in the midlands of the United Kingdom. Having been involved throughout his junior years in the Worcester Academy setup and attending Malvern school, his basics and foundations of his game are solid. The 18-year-old is looking to accelerate his career this year and is pursuing a profession in the game and he has made a good start to the season.

Since leaving the HPA in March, Callum has been training with Worcester and minor county team Herefordshire. Playing for the Worcestershire 2nd XI, he has already notched up a two fifties and was involved in a hundred run partnership scoring 78 with fellow HPA player Josh Breed against Warwickshire 2nd XI last week which consisted of a strong bowling line up.

Callum reflects on these early successes in the season, “I have noticed improvements in my game from my time in Cape Town and think my game is in a good place.”

He goes onto add that the HPA provided a well organised and professional setup that stimulated training from both players and coaches which was of a high standard and quality. “I felt like all the coaches were solely focused on my development as a cricketer and the environment they created was exceptional.”

Making runs is not all that Callum is currently busy with, he has also founded a charity to raise awareness and provide for mental health in young sports people which is a hot topic at the moment in the UK and around the world. “The charity will aim to educate coaches, players and staff in mental health related to sport, this includes dealing with the pressures of a career in sport and funding individuals who need professional help”.

His aspirations for the season are to continue to make match winning performances for Worcestershire 2nd XI and Herefordshire with a view to play for Oxford MCCU next year as he furthers his studies. With a good head on his shoulders and a strong drive to succeed, this is a goal which he is capable of achieving.

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