AUSTRALIA’S first specialist wicketkeeping school, the Rod Marsh Wicketkeeping Academy, has launched with Veronica Keen from Midland Guildford Cricket Club as one of its inaugural members.

The academy is designed to build on the late Rod Marsh’s legacy of educating up-and-coming cricketers in the art of wicketkeeping, and seeks to identify, develop and support male and female wicketkeepers into senior cricket pathways.

MGCC female program head coach Chris Secker said that the program would be a great way for Keen to further develop her skills as a cricketer.

“Veronica is a top order batter who can bowl off spin, but has become a great wicket keeper for the club as well,’’ he said.

“She is a great all-round cricketer at the club who has come through the youth league and now into senior cricket at the club.

“This will allow her to dedicate a significant amount of time in developing her keeping throughout the season which will only benefit her moving forward.’’

Coached by Damon Rowan with support from Angele Gray, Riley Mattingly and Andy Grieg, the selected players will receive 36 one-on-one training sessions at the WACA and across various locations in Perth.

The project is funded by the state government’s strategic initiatives grants program and is managed by WA Cricket.

WA Cricket chief executive officer Christina Matthews said that the organisation was proud to honour Rod Marsh’s extraordinary contributions to WA cricket through this academy.

“Rod was one of WA and Australia’s finest wicketkeepers and was a pioneering member of our exceptional talent pathway through his work off the field,’’ she said.

“This specialist wicketkeeping academy is the first of its kind in Australia and will ensure targeted coaching and developmental opportunities are afforded to those pursuing this skill.’’