Rising stars put to work at boot camp

Tough … very tough. That's how emerging Victorian quick Tom O'Donnell describes the opening stages of the National Performance Squad's boot camp.

O'Donnell is one of 18 players in the NPS squad, a talented left-arm fast bowler who was also in the squad last year, before playing Matador BBQs One-Day Cup cricket with the Cricket Australia XI.

There's been no shortage of hard work confronting the 18 players in the Snowy Mountains for this week's boot camp, which kick-starts the 2017 NPS program.

The opening day included an obstacle course and numerous team challenges, with players forced to dig deep to achieve team goals.

"It's good to be in a different surrounding from always being at the National Cricket Centre," O'Donnell said.

"Now we're in a different environment, it's good … a bit cold, a bit challenging, but it's good to build a bid of camaraderie in the group and have a few good times.

"It was pretty tough, but we've had fun getting to know each other."

The NPS program runs for three months, predominantly at the Bupa National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Brisbane, with the boot camp component a lead-in event designed to test the squad physically and mentally.

The aim of the NPS program is to enhance the work of state systems, and prepare players capable of competing at international level within the next five years.

"This is a great opportunity to get these players together, away from cricket, and drive some of the values and traits required to be an Australian cricketer," said National Performance Program Head Coach, Troy Cooley.

"There's no doubt this squad contains plenty of cricketing talent, including a group of players who have already debuted or established themselves in the Sheffield Shield, domestic one-day cup or the Big Bash League.

"This camp gives us the opportunity to continue to develop skills that will be extremely beneficial on the field, and to build that resilience and adaptability.

"We want to put these players under pressure away from the game, and test their ability to work as a team, push through challenging situations and make good decisions individually and as a group, to help develop them as better people and better players."

2017 National Performance Squad: Alex Carey (SA), Jackson Coleman (VIC), Michael Cormack (SA), Brendan Doggett (QLD), Jake Doran (TAS), Daniel Fallins (NSW), Jordan Gauci (NSW), Ryan Gibson (NSW), Ryan Hadley (NSW), Josh Inglis (WA), Marnus Labuschagne (QLD), Lewin Maladay (NSW), Ben McDermott (TAS), Tom O'Donnell (VIC), Ben Pengelley (SA), Henry Thornton (NSW), Param Uppal (NSW), Mac Wright (TAS).