Indians wearing T-shirts and Ties


ODI-Test confusion?

By Gaurang - 31 July, '02
July 31 2002

As professionals, todays cricketers are supposed to go back and forth between ODIs and Tests, like between wearing T-Shirt and Jeans and a Coat and Tie. But the Indians are picking up the bad habits from ODIs and not picking the good traits. Bad traits they have picked up...

  • Their batting lacks patience. Each dot ball is treated with dread, but why so in Tests? Especially if one is at ease batting. Just grind the bowling and they will wilt. Bowling and fielding is much harder work than batting.
  • Big shots are pursued at the start of innings. This is required in ODIs but simply stupid in Tests.
  • Lack of concentration. ODI batting is never more than a session long, so no planning for session by session play is required. E.g., with 2-3 overs left, why was Sehwag attacking Giles when he should have been thinking of batting till Lunch the next day?
  • Always another day syndrome. ODIs breed this, as a loss on one day can be overcome by a win next day. In Tests, one needs to concentrate for 5 days with bat, ball and in the field.
  • Lack of Thinking on your feet. ODIs are now pretty formulaistic, and do not challenge a player's ability to think on their feet in the middle without the help of the coach or captain.
  • Bowlers must only concentrate on not giving runs. In ODIs, taking wickets is not a priority; a spell of 0-20 in 10 overs is more valuable than 3-70 in 10. In Tests, it's the reverse.
  • Bowlers not used to pacing themselves over an innings of 100 to 150 overs. Bowlers never have to bowl more than 10 overs a day in ODIs.

Good Habits not picked up

  • Rotation of strike is crucial. This goes for Tests as well as ODIs. In ODIs it reduces run rate pressure, in Tests it keeps pressure off any particular batsman, who can then concentrate longer.
  • Electric Fielding. ABSOLUTELY vital in ODIs but VERY vital in Tests, as it keeps up the pressure when bowlers are not being successful. Yes, the best 3 fielders are not in the TEST team, but still the relaxation of fielding standards by India was [i]shocking[/i].
  • Ability to play under pressure. ODIs generate pressure artificially through the run rate, so players must learn to play under pressure. Ironically the another day syndrome may mean that even though there is always pressure in ODIs, players have rationalized it and don't feel it so much in Tests.

    India need to sort out their wardrobe ASAP.

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