Zeri Tomlinson has successfully completed an intense 15-day training exercise at the Cricket Foundation Academy in India.

The Somerset wicketkeeper was put through his paces by ICC Level 3 coach Shantanu Ghosh at his academy located in Bhilai, in eastern Central India, where he refined his skills and gained an appreciation for the daily demands of high-level cricket.

“My experience was intense but really valuable,” Tomlinson told The Royal Gazette.

“Being in India and training meant that I had to compress a lot of information and learning as I was there for a short period.

“The volume of cricket, along with the conditions, meant that I had to stay switched on for longer periods of time. It gave me a good understanding of what high-level cricket demands of you every day.

“The biggest improvements were in my balance at the crease and how long I stayed still before I played the ball, especially against spinners. Along with that, I tried to work on my shot selection and trusting my defence, and how I could rotate strike rather than forcing shots. As a wicketkeeper the constant work helped my footwork and hands as well, especially up to the stumps.”

The young cricketer coped reasonably well acclimatising to his new surroundings and the local culture.

“It was a big adjustment at first, especially after the travel,” he said.

“The pace of life and training intensity you get out there is very different. I did my best to accept it and get involved rather than comparing it to home.”

Tomlinson said the highlight of the experience was facing spin bowling every day in conditions that “reward batters when they are patient”.

“My weaknesses were exposed very early, but I was able to gain confidence once I started to adapt,” he said.

“Being able to go to a place where the culture of cricket is taken seriously was motivating and also reminded me why I need to constantly look to get better and push myself.”

The professional hopeful is the first local cricketer to take advantage of a new collaboration between Janeiro Tucker’s 186 Cricket Academy and the Cricket Foundation Academy.

“Zeri has all the accolades of being a professional cricketer so we had talked to him about getting professional training for the next couple of weeks and he agreed,” said Tucker, who also coaches Somerset’s league and Cup Match teams.

Tomlinson, who stroked an unbeaten 37 in the second innings on his Cup Match debut for holders Somerset at Wellington Oval last summer, has since joined the club’s league team from Warwick.

“The move to Somerset is also a positive step for myself. I think it gives me the chance to compete in a strong environment, which is what I am looking for at this stage of my development,” he said.

“The training standards, as well as coming together and playing under leadership with a good reputation, will help me to improve.”

Tomlinson is looking forward to the potential opportunity of representing Bermuda after being named in a 25-member national team training squad preparing for this year’s international commitments.

“I am grateful to be in the training squad for the national team,” he said.

“I think of it as a responsibility rather than just the end point. My focus is on preparing well and being consistent so if I am given the opportunity, I am ready to contribute.

“With some big tournaments coming up, it’s a testing period for Bermuda cricket. We are playing against some very well developed sides, but that’s exactly what you want as a player.

“These kinds of challenges show you where you are at and what you need to improve. Personally, I am looking forward to embracing the pressure and seeing what I could do to get in the team and contribute.”