Cricket has often been called “the thinking man’s game” and this was summed up by former South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince in December. Speaking on a Cape-based radio station about his experiences as a professional cricket player, Prince said he was “a student of the game.” As he spoke about who he thought wasn’t a student of the game, it became clear why it is important to study the game.
Cricket is more than just about the raw talent. Many a player will get away with having only this raw talent, but the best players are those able to read the game and maximise opportunities to their advantage. It is therefore important that focus is thrown on the less glamorous side of cricket (away from the 4s and 6s, and the world records), even at clinics, where the young ones have to sit and listen. A few minutes a day spent talking to them may not seem like much at face value, but in the greater scheme of things, we hope that they will become sharp and inquiring minds able to read the game well and to develop the mind of a true cricketer.
Thanks to Flip File, Gunn and Moore, HiTec South Africa, Kauai South Africa, Sportsmans Warehouse and Supersport Let’s Play for the continued support of our coaching clinics.