Indian conditions challenging? England players have a novel approach
How to cope with Indian conditions? Replicate the same conditions during net sessions. At least that is what the England players are doing.
The England cricket team is expected by most to be ill at ease facing India in conditions typical of the sub-continent. The same most may be left surprised as the visiting players have employed unique methods during net sessions to tackle Indian conditions.
According to a report in UK's Daily Mail, the players under team psychologist Mark Bawen have been training with recorded sounds of crowd noise and the batsmen have been facing deliveries in the nets with Bawen clapping and sledging from the other end.
The ambiance created while playing India in the sub-continent can be daunting for foreign players and therefore, the England players have been determined according to the same report, to negate the challenges of facing spin, surrounded by close-in fielders in a stadium filled with noisy fans backing the bowling side. (Also see: Why see India vs England? We tell you, in pics)
It seems to have worked for the team as spinner Samit Patel struck 104 against India A during the recently concluded practice match. His innings was praised by his teammates including pacer James Anderson who said that Patel's ability to play spin is helpful. "Often the crowd can be noisy out here, and there are a lot of distractions and pressures created by men around the bat. That's what you have to overcome,' he was quoted as saying. (Also read: James Anderson happy with practice match outcome)