[Tigers_eye]

Originally Posted by Beamer
If you look at every test team, you will see that their top six is made up of batsmen who first of all, has the ability to take it to the bowlers. Thats the first criteria. You have to have the natural ability to strike a cricket ball and score runs- for example, big centuries. Now, almost all of them, can also play the patience game when its needed, or respond to the situation of the match. They also gotta have the ability to turn it on when needed. Thats the crucial element missing from our talented players. They just don't have that thing called 'stickability'. But, that is not a cricketing aspect but a mental aspect of the game that one has to learn by playing. Sitting on the sideline won't help. But, if you fill up the card with players who sort of has that mental ability of 'sticking' without that pure cricketing ability, I am afraid, we will never produce winners, because, they are either unwilling or unable to attack, when its needed.

The difference in results : One group will lose in three days, and the other, maybe in two and half days, as of now. But, maybe the later group will learn to bat for four/five sessions per innings and in the process will give you 400 runs, so the bowlers have support. The former group, despite what you think, will not give you 400 runs in any sitaution and at best will have to play complimentary role to support the other group.

Don't think of wins, losses, draws at this point of BD test cricket. Concentrate on making test players, and by that I mean, test players built for this century, where five day draws are becoming an anomaly.

Excellent post!! The only think I disagree is the first and the second needs to be flip-floped. Test batsmen must be patient first then take it to the bowlers. There is no limitation of balls facing. Let their eye get in. That is why we can't get Sanggakara-Jayawardene out once they are set.

As for stickibility one has to be technically sound. There is no way (unless a sachin) our 19/20 year old boys can correct their deficiency in the national team. Too early exposure is ruining the growth we are having. There is no short cut.

Aggressive strokemakers are inconsistant. In no profession inconsistancy is desirable.