The Teesra

Author: Andrew Beaven

  • “Modern players are over coached”, says @MattPrior13 …or should that be “over-supported”?

    Sir Ian Botham created a stir with his thoughts on the IPL, as delivered in his MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture.

    But it was another comment, from Matt Prior in the post-lecture Q&A, that really caught my attention.

    Speaking on the County Game, Prior observed “I find that a lot of young players coming through are over coached”.

    He went on: [when they walk out to bat, young players] “…almost need the coach next to them…they are not able to make decisions for themselves.”

    There is something in this, but also a certain irony coming from a player who was a member of what was described as one of the best-prepared England teams ever to tour Australia…before losing the Ashes 5-0.

    Could it be, then, that the England team in Australia were over-coached? Or (not quite the same thing) over-reliant on the support from their coaches?

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  • Development squads in League cricket – postscript

    We fielded a slightly changed squad on Saturday, adding an additional player in the 50+ category. But the theme of “youth & experience” still held

    Given our League position going into the game, and the need to set an example for the younger players, we set out to play “good cricket” (which I have defined previously as scoring runs quickly and bowling the other side out), but were frustrated by our opponents. Early successes with the ball put them firmly on the back foot, and the game meandered to a bore draw.

    Is this the type of cricket that will enthuse a young player, and make him want to play again next week, and next season? Or anyone else, for that matter?

    Maybe an argument against fielding development squads in League cricket! (more…)

  • Development squads in League cricket, bringing on the youngsters – can it work?

    Last Saturday, in an unscheduled break in our League programme, my home Club fielded a mixed XI against a “development team” from another local Club.

    We had an enjoyable game.  At least, we enjoyed the day, and the result; hopefully, the opposition enjoyed the opportunity to play on a 1st XI square, and the running commentary from one of our senior players – it seemed to go down OK.

    Most of the batsmen had the chance to bat, and the bowlers to bowl, and those who wanted to run around got to chase the ball around the outfield.

    Football on the big screen in the clubhouse, afterwards (why not the Test match highlights?), and I think it was agreed that we had as good a day of gentle cricket as we could have hoped for.

    But what is the point of a development squad, and should you play friendly or competitive games?

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