Bowling is like throwing darts, you have to be accurate everytime: Jeff Thomson

Former Australian fast bowler, Jeff Thomson has made all the right noises currently. He has heaped praises on Mumbai bowler Shardul Thakur, who has been picked up for the National team which is touring West Indies.

In an exclusive interaction on the sidelines of the IDBI Federal Bowling Foundation at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Thomson was all praise for the new crop of fast bowlers under his watch.

Thomson, who is the coach of the KSCA- IDBI Federal Life Insurance Bowling Foundation said, "KSCA and IDBI have been instrumental in shaping the young talents in the country. I can already see a marked difference in the bowlers. It is fantastic working in India and especially with the young boys coming up the ladder."

Expressing hope that Shardul Thakur will definitely show his worth in the upcoming tour of West Indies, the legendary fast bowler said that Thakur has shown tremendous improvement over the years.

"He might have lost pace, but smart bowlers do not mind losing pace. He has now mastered the art of perfection, and is also stronger, both mentally and physically. He has also better control over his action as he is well versed with both the inswinger and outswinger."

Thomson further added that fast bowling is all about hitting the right areas time and again. The action should be a repetitive one and the consistency is an absolute must.

"I consider bowling more like throwing darts. You have to be boring, but at the same time be effective with your unnerving accuracy", he said.

Advice to young bowlers:

Thomson said that he is no David Copperfield who will just wave a wand and transform everything and get results.

"The actual work is done by the coaches on the ground. They back-up to what I say. The boys have to recognise the fact that it is all hard work in the end, no break, no shortcuts. I cannot be here all the time, I just top up in the end, but yes I am thrilled with the results. There is a marked difference to when I arrived here in January."