Published: Mar 03, 2015, 02:22 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 03, 2015, 02:48 PM (IST)
India resumed their practice session at the Murdoch University, Perth ahead of their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash against West Indies. India have had a similar ritual in practice through their World Cup campaign, which involves the batsmen giving it their all and the bowlers trying to outsmart them. Nishad Pai Vaidya discusses the session. SCORECARD: India vs West Indies in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Through the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, India have managed their workload very well. A long tour to Australia, in the lead-up to the big event would have not only been tiring physically, but also mentally for the players who have spent over three months away from home. Suresh Raina told Virat Kohli before the game against South Africa that some of the Test squad members had completed three months in Australia. The challenge right through was to maintain intensity and ensure they balance between training and rest. READ: Mohammed Shami resumes bowling with light practice ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
With the long gaps between the matches, India have done well to maintain that balance. Their matches so far have had six-seven days long gaps. India take a few breaks and train for about three days in between. One of the days is spent in fielding practice, with numerous drills in play. The most popular drill is perhaps the game of football. Even when India finished their game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they indulged in a game of football. There is optimism in the camp following those victories and that is reflected with the way the team bonds over such games. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
Having said that, their main training makes an interesting picture. While they have some net sessions, the batsmen spend their energies on the centre wicket, where a net is setup on the leg-side to stop the expansive shots. The net bowlers and some of the Indian bowlers then run it to outsmart the batsmen. The batsmen, in turn, have the license to go for the kill and perfect their big shots. It is an even contest with the Indian bowlers bowling to their teammates. But, when the net bowlers are on, they are in for some stick. Skipper MS Dhoni sends quite a few over the ropes with the hapless net bowlers bowling. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
But, even when the main bowlers are in play, Dhoni maintains that attacking approach and has looked better through the passage of this tour. Watching Akshar Patel bowl to him on Tuesday at Murdoch University, Perth was an interesting sight as the young left-armer tricked him a few times. Dhoni was up to it as he could block the deliveries well. Ajinkya Rahane looked in amazing form on Tuesday, smashing most bowlers to all parts. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
For the Indian bowlers, this is also a good workout as they get to practice some of their death bowling skills. Spinners such as Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Akshar also get a taste of the attacking instinct. This ritual seems to cover most bases for the Indian team, which has looked good in the World Cup so far.
India cannot have such sessions at the main venues, but have utilised the St Peter’s College in Adelaide, Junction Oval in Melbourne and the Murdoch University in Perth. Practicing away from the hype and hoopla may have been a soothing experience for them. For the visitors and journalists, it also makes a good picture.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
