| As much as anyone I love hitting the cricket ball, as | | | | concentration and in the blink of an eye is all it takes |
| hard and as often as possible, However it doesn't | | | | for a batsman to be walking back to the pavilion. |
| come quite as easily as many would think..Cricket, is a | | | | Other kids at 11 and 13 may have been better than |
| lot of hard work. | | | | me, but by working at it, and devoting myself to the |
| The old axiom that boys and girls around the world | | | | game, l was able to outdo them by the time l was 16 |
| from Mumbai to London to Sydney, should live and | | | | or so. You don't go stale, you just increase your |
| breathe is: "Practice makes perfect." | | | | chances of improving. At practice whether its batting, |
| Natural skills make up only 50 per- cent of a | | | | bowling or fielding, throw yourself into it like it's an |
| batsman's game. The ability to swing the ball both | | | | actual match. |
| ways is only good for a bowler if he can master. | | | | Don't forget the fielding aspect either. Reflexes here |
| movement both ways consistently in a match, and | | | | aid both your batting and bowling. |
| not just at practice. | | | | Young kids shouldn't worry if they miss the team or |
| A player with ability who doesn't utilise it to the | | | | can't make runs or take wickets. The results will |
| fullest extent is often not in the same bracket as the | | | | come as long as you put in the effort. One big |
| good old fashioned trier who uses his skills to the | | | | advantage for children is if you look like a cricketer, |
| very fullest and makes up for the rest with sheer | | | | you often get a game in front of your mate. It |
| dedication and application. | | | | doesn't require lots of money to be neat with clean |
| The proven formula for successful cricket is 50 per | | | | white shoes and pressed pants and shirt. Look like a |
| cent skills, 40 per cent application and 10 per cent | | | | cricketer and you'll be part of your team, in no time. |
| fitness. | | | | Even if you haven't got any cricket mad brothers |
| Fitness and concentration are close aligned. lf you | | | | and sisters, there are many at your club and around |
| haven't got the stamina, it's easy to lose your | | | | your home. |