Cricket: Black Cap goes undercover to coach kids

Judd Baker gets some instruction from Ross Taylor during the filming of <i>Undercover Coach</i> which runs on the Disney Channel. Photo / Dean Purcell

Leaning on a kid-sized cricket bat - geared up in his Black Cap uniform - and standing opposite a clothesline full of boys' sports shorts, it's an odd place to be for batsman Ross Taylor.

The 25-year-old was in Browns Bay in Auckland on Tuesday, helping youngster Judd Baker with his cricket skills for the latest episode of Undercover Coach.

With bright yellow toy wickets being his only worry, the power hitter showed young Judd the secret to his success.

"Head still, front shoulder up - behind the front knee. Go in for the stride, following through with the elbow up."

A generous high five, followed by a "great bro" rings out, as Taylor approves of his student's almost perfect copy.

Undercover Coach, which appears on the Disney Channel, focuses on youngsters from Australia and New Zealand and connects kids with their favourite sporting stars.

Twelve-year-old Judd, a student at Northcross Intermediate, was surprised to have been chosen to be in the show but was more impressed to have his favourite batsman in his backyard.

"I didn't know anything about it. My mum yelled out from the deck, telling me to go open the door, there's somebody waiting for me. When I saw him I was just ... I didn't know what to say. He was there!"

Younger brother Trent was also lucky enough to be allowed to stay home from school to see his star.

Being able to front up for a kids programme was a way of showing kids what a career in the game involves, Taylor said. "It's all been pretty new for me, but it's been enjoyable - hanging out with these guys."