As a member of the Western Riverina Zone Academy squad, George Cumming recently had the opportunity to speak with Australian cricketing icon Nathan Lyon and will look to take that advice and turn it into a productive 2021/22 campaign.

"It was just to listen to his story, get a few tips and see if he could help us out for the upcoming season," the left-arm off-spinner said.

"He talked about how how got there, how there's different pathways to get to that baggy green and then we had an opportunity to ask some questions to him."

Cumming's questions focused on variations and what is needed to deceive batters.

"We talked about that stock ball, how you have to nail it down and that you only have to spin it a little bit here and there to get into the batter's mind," he said.

"Nathan gets the simple things right. You don't have to do a lot to get in the batter's mind, you just have to do it well."

Lyon was born in Young and has long been a supporter of empowering young country cricketers.

In the online sessions Lyon focussed on his cricket journey from country ovals to the hallowed turf of Lords and the SCG, how he aims to improve his life every day and tips on training harder than what the game is.

Lyon also encouraged the young players to look at the positives that come from beginning their cricket careers in the country, rather than some perceived negatives.

He sighted the ability for many youngsters in regional areas to be able to play regularly on turf wickets ahead of their city-based competitors as just one example of an advantage he experienced.

Like many, Cummings' off-season has been slightly different to normal thanks to COVID and the lockdown it brought.

"Normally we'd have about five or six training sessions in the offseason and we got a few in before this lockdown but then we've just been doing a bit of online work, different webinars and online messaging with our coaches," he said on his work with the Western Riverina squad.

"It's been helpful. We've all been able to connect in a big group chat and share each other's thoughts and get each other's help."

Last Bathurst and Orange Inter District season, Cumming plied his trade with Kinross and picked up 21 wickets and a more than respectable 24.5 average.

Having graduated this year, Cumming decided to switch clubs, one where he has enjoyed past success.

"I've moved to (Cavaliers) for the upcoming season," he said.

"I'm just trying to get that stock ball going. We've got a really good pace attack so I'll just try and accompany them as well."

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