I am compiling the scores for a full update but, I think it would be fair to say that all teams were given a "wake up call" to the level they need to be at for the tournament.
In all three games we did not compile enough runs to compete. This is not Saturday cricket; where you can expect to get non-bowlers coming on and serving up some buffet bowling; you need to work hard for your runs. This is a mental struggle and also a realisation that you must know where your scoring areas are ... turning the strike over is absolutely essential at this level and dot-ball strings can kill a batting total. You must learn to run (and call) better and know where the singles are.
I have not had a look at the strike rates but, can guarantee that we did not work the ball around. I saw some very talented boys playing (and admiring) wonderful shots struck directly to fielders for no runs. You must learn to score ugly and the top five batsmen need to score most of the runs at a good rate - you cannot expect the lower order to come in with 15 overs to go and score at 5-6 per over.
I am convinced that this is not a technical issue; they are not technically better than we are. We need to step up our levels of intensity and start playing like this means something as opposed to being just another game. You must enjoy your cricket but this does not mean that I will accept poor performances. I am also aware that many of you are new to 50 over cricket; it is tiring and you need to be fitter (physically and mentally). This is only going to get harder (5 days of cricket at the tournament) so make sure that you look after your bodies ... hydrate and eat well before, during and after the game. Do not over play, you are young and developing. Make sure that you rest well and keep your practice to a short high intensity - you need to be fresh for the game.
I challenge you all to make the step up to PSB cricket, you would not be in the sides if we did not believe you can do it. So let's make sure that the next two games against Manukau and Western show a higher intensity and reflect our skills and commitment.
In all three games we did not compile enough runs to compete. This is not Saturday cricket; where you can expect to get non-bowlers coming on and serving up some buffet bowling; you need to work hard for your runs. This is a mental struggle and also a realisation that you must know where your scoring areas are ... turning the strike over is absolutely essential at this level and dot-ball strings can kill a batting total. You must learn to run (and call) better and know where the singles are.
I have not had a look at the strike rates but, can guarantee that we did not work the ball around. I saw some very talented boys playing (and admiring) wonderful shots struck directly to fielders for no runs. You must learn to score ugly and the top five batsmen need to score most of the runs at a good rate - you cannot expect the lower order to come in with 15 overs to go and score at 5-6 per over.
Bowling and fielding is always going to be difficult when trying to restrict a team to a small total but, you all need to be more aggressive in the field. Every ball is an event and every run you stop is one less you (or one more they) need to score. I saw some good fielding and catching but, there was not enough desire and anticipation for this level; watch the way that a good fielder moves and makes catches and stops look easy. It is not because they are lucky and are in the right place at the right time - they anticipate the shot from the way the batsmen move their feet and they move before the ball is hit. Bowlers need to be patient and bowl consistently good length balls - wickets are tough to come by and you need to work a batsmen out. Good length bowling is absolutely essential at this level (even at the expense of line), you must be able to maintain pressure; a good length ball that is slightly wide, is still going to get a batsmen thinking about the shot he needs to play, a long hop allows him to hit the ball where he wants, whatever the line!
I am convinced that this is not a technical issue; they are not technically better than we are. We need to step up our levels of intensity and start playing like this means something as opposed to being just another game. You must enjoy your cricket but this does not mean that I will accept poor performances. I am also aware that many of you are new to 50 over cricket; it is tiring and you need to be fitter (physically and mentally). This is only going to get harder (5 days of cricket at the tournament) so make sure that you look after your bodies ... hydrate and eat well before, during and after the game. Do not over play, you are young and developing. Make sure that you rest well and keep your practice to a short high intensity - you need to be fresh for the game.
I challenge you all to make the step up to PSB cricket, you would not be in the sides if we did not believe you can do it. So let's make sure that the next two games against Manukau and Western show a higher intensity and reflect our skills and commitment.
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