The EPP consists of specialist skill sessions in batting and bowling in sub-continent conditions, as well as fitness development and other technical cricket coaching. It focuses on both individual and team performances as well as development. The second half of the programme, in Chennai, will include one three-day and one four-day match against a mixture of Indian and Sri Lankan first-class opposition. In addition, there will be further player development sessions at the MRF Academy in Chennai.
The coaching team for the India camp is joined by former England spin bowler Ashley Giles, now director of cricket at Warwickshire, who is providing specialist spin coaching, and Martyn Moxon, the former England player and now director of professional cricket at Yorkshire, who is providing the lead on batting. The programme will also benefit from visiting Indian coaches from the international arena.
Acting NCPC Director David Parsons will join the squad in early December to take over spin duties from Giles. As well as the elite coaching team, the EPP has a highly-qualified and experienced backroom staff accompanying it throughout the programme, including specialist strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapist and team managers.
Commenting on the current camp in India, Shine said: “The EPP is a great initiative as it offers the ECB the opportunity to highlight those players they feel are capable of going on to win future matches for England. The camp also provides elite playing cover for the full England squad in Sri Lanka.
“It’s primarily about developing players and maximising their potential to make a significant contribution for England both in the immediate and longer-term future.
“The main emphasis of the EPP is to develop a squad of players who comprise a good proportion of England’s immediate future picks for international cricket and at the same time developing their own games through experience of playing internationally.
“We have based ourselves in Mohali and Chennai in order to provide World Class support for the England Test team in Sri Lanka and to give the players further experience in different and difficult conditions.”
Full EPP squad:
Moeen Ali – Worcestershire
Tim Ambrose – Warwickshire
Tim Bresnan – Yorkshire
Michael Carberry – Hampshire
Steven Davies – Worcestershire
Joe Denly – Kent
James Hildreth – Somerset
Graham Onions – Durham
Adil Rashid – Yorkshire
Chris Schofield – Surrey
James Tredwell – Kent
Chris Tremlett – Hampshire
Jonathan Trott – Warwickshire
Luke Wright – Sussex