Cricket generic picture

The first international cricket academy of its kind in the country could soon be opened.

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

A special syllabus is about to be unveiled by Bicton College for a two-year course in sports studies leading to a BTEC level-three qualification

Bicton College already has close rugby links with Exeter Chiefs and, since last year, runs a successful military academy.

Proposals for the new academy include a new indoor cricket centre, as well as a high-quality pitch.

The centre will be open to foreign students and use coaching expertise from former players from all over the world.

Joel Murphy, the Australian-born captain of Budleigh Salterton and Devon Academy coach, has been recruited as head coach of the new operation.

He said: “It is an international academy which happens to be in Devon and open to anyone who wants to apply.”

“As far as anyone is aware, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the country.

“Bicton has residential facilities which makes the course accessible to anyone from anywhere in the world. It is hoped we can offer a scholarship to a potential student from India, Pakistan or any other country where finding the funding could be a problem.”