THE next generation of English Test cricketers could be springing up in High Wycombe after the launch of a new specialist academy.

The area could be sprouting the next Andrew Flintoff, Brett Lee, Shahid Afrid or Sachin Tendulka before long with expert coaching on offer.

One-on-one coaching, an indoor cricket league and international tours were all on the bill at the launch of the Excel Sports Management Services Cricket Academy at Hamilton Primary School last Saturday (Feb 17) Stars from the Wycombe area, including Surrey opening batsman James Benning and England women's Ashes-hero Isa Guha were there to promote the cause, alongside Pakistan international and Surrey player Mohammed Akram.

Akram said: "It is really great to see all the children together. It is a really great cause for the community.

"I am really looking forward to seeing these youngsters playing some County Cricket then playing for England."

Hazlemere-born Benning said the new academy was a really positive thing for the town.

He said: "It is always good to see support for cricket. Young players need all the support they can get. Cricket has given us a lot."

Guha got involved and showed the budding-batsmen her skills with the bat and organisers put on a drill exercise to show interested parents how their kids would be coached.

She said: "Coming from High Wycombe I started playing with the boys when I was eight-years-old at High Wycombe Cricket Club.

"It is great to see this being put into practice. I think it is important for girls and boys to have the opportunity to develop their skills.

"I look forward to coming back in the summer and seeing the success."

For further information visit the website www.esmcricketacademy.com