| Most team sports like soccer has just one person | | | | do his homework on the opposition. He will compile a |
| that runs the show and this is usually the manager or | | | | range of tactical plans including how to bowl against |
| head coach. There are a number of coaches but their | | | | key opposition batsman. All the strengths and |
| role is purely to coach the players and not select the | | | | weaknesses of the opposition will also be analysed. |
| team. Cricket is different and has a system where | | | | The coach will discuss these plans at length with his |
| each team has a captain and a coach who are both | | | | captain as well as tactics in general. |
| strong personalities. It is open to debate who has | | | | Most international cricket coaches also have a role as |
| overall control of the team. This can change | | | | a selector. This is where they have an advantage |
| depending when they are on or off the field. | | | | over the captain who is not part of the selection |
| At all levels of international cricket, the relationship | | | | panel. However, the input of the captain will be |
| between captain and coach is very important. Both | | | | valued by the coach and selectors who will not want |
| individuals have important roles to play but must | | | | to alienate the skipper. If results and performances |
| work together for the benefit of the team. The | | | | are poor it is often the coach who is held responsible |
| captain plays a massive role on the field and his | | | | rather than the captain who often escapes the flak. |
| influence should not be underestimated. He calls the | | | | The panel of selectors will also come in for their fair |
| shots with regard to bowling changes and fielding | | | | share of criticism. |
| positions. He is in complete control of the team during | | | | If you look at all the successful international cricket |
| the game although the coach can offer advice if | | | | teams down the years, they have all had one thing in |
| necessary. | | | | common. The relationship between captain and coach |
| The coach is not in the public eye as much as his | | | | has been a good one. Both parties need to be flexible |
| captain and plays a different kind of role. It is the | | | | because there will be disagreements along the way. |
| coach's job to develop and improve the individual | | | | Any issues between the captain and coach should be |
| cricket skills of the players. Of particular importance is | | | | put to one side for the good of the team. |
| working on the teams weak areas. A good coach will | | | | |