Warm-up games are essential for gaining confidence and momentum: Shane Watson. Watson believes that teams should attempt to play warm-ups with an XI that is as close to the one that will play in the tournament as feasible.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson and former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir have emphasized the importance of warm-up games ahead of the ODI World Cup, which begins on October 5 in India.
Watson believes that teams should strive to play warm-ups with an XI that is as close to the one they will field in the tournament as feasible. As this will allow them to generate momentum and provide better role clarity to the people involved.
“These warm-up games they are integral. For sure, you want to be able to play as close to your first and starting 11 for India against Australia; as close as you can. Because then you can build momentum, everyone knows what their roles are, everybody knows how to fulfill those roles. And then to play those two warm-up games, just for everyone to be able to find their feet and know exactly what those roles are. ” Watson said while speaking exclusively to Star Sports as StarCast expert for ‘Mission World Cup’.
Also Visit: In a practice game, the Karnataka state squad easily defeats the Asian Games-bound India Men’s team.
Watson also laid emphasis on the No. 5 position in ODI cricket
Remains a question mark for India due to a spate of injuries and the player unavailability issues. However, both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are now fit and available, with Iyer ready to occupy the No. 4 position and the No. 5 position being a toss-up between the first-choice Rahul and his backup in southpaw Ishan Kishan.
“The number 5 position is critical for any team. Especially since it is one of India’s biggest unknowns, along with the number 8 spot.” So, for sure, those two spots in particular, but it’s incredibly crucial to build that confidence and momentum even in practice,” Watson added.
“People underestimate the significance of practice matches.” I remember how significant it was in 2007, when our confidence in the Australian team was a little low leading up to the first game, but the first practice match we played against England really helped us boost our confidence for the 2007 World Cup campaign. You can’t afford to take those games lightly. They are critical just to bring everyone together and begin developing momentum,” he continued.
Also Read: Tom Taylor commits to Worcestershire for four years