TOO MUCH CRICKET AFFLICTS CRICKET


At the end of the First Test between England and South Africa, it was quite evident, English cricket was showing signs of injuries- more mental than physical. Tiredness and fatigue had the better of a team that had reduced Australia to 96-6 in an ODI, just a few days ago. 

England’s problem in those sunnier times was not taking wickets but which of the fast bowlers to leave out. Since then, the team has gone from an embarrassment of riches to bankrupt in confidence- in just few weeks. 

Post-mortem throws up obvious reasons- poor selection, lack of tactics, under-performance, over confidence and so on. But there’s a fundamental problem that seems to plague modern day teams. It’s called ‘Too much cricket’. Many a great players have been vulnerable to it. 

Today, players travel way too much. The most by any in the history of the game. Thanks to the gruelling international schedule, peppered with IPL and other T20 tournaments that keep popping up in-between these tours. Every international team, to a greater or lesser extent, is jaded and exhausted. 

There is too much travel and too many games on the international scene. Players don’t get enough time to “gather themselves” and prepare mentally for the season ahead. It takes a toll on players, physically and psychologically.  Injuries take time to heal. And with such unforgiving schedules, it adds to their woes. 

Recently concluded series are a testimony to that- England trounced by Pakistan in Tests in UAE, England dismantled by old foes, Australia in the ODIs, England humiliated by South Africa at The Oval.  

Until we achieve a balance, cricket is going to suffer.


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