Play Cricket

Fitness

As Cricket is played over a very long period of time with test matches lasting five days, it is inevitable that the body takes a pounding over this period. This makes it very important to be in peak physical condition.

Players should not only be able to deliver short bursts of power for running in between wickets and chasing after balls, but also have a good endurance base to last a full day's fielding in the hot sun, or to preserve your wicket over a few days to avoid a heavy test match loss.

Quick reflexes are also very important for both batsman and bowler. A simple and efficient technique will also help to reduce wear and tear of joints and muscle. This will help to minimize injuries and increase the length of one's cricket career.

Teamwork

One factor that is often overlooked is the ability to function as a team. Internal rifts in teams between key players often lead to a poor performance.

Also, one cannot depend on the star batsman or bowler in the team to constantly win matches. Each player has to contribute, and quite often one has to play the part of being the unexpected saviour of the team. Therefore each member has to be ready for that challenge, should it arise.

Fielding Strategy

Power Play - This is a rule involving ODI field restrictions introduced in 2006. Previously during the first 15 overs only 2 fielders were allowed outside the 30 yard circle. This resulted in batsman taking many risks in these first 15 overs, making this part of the match very interesting but resulting in the middle part of the match being dull.

Under the new rule, the first 10 overs allow only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle after which there are two blocks of five overs each (known as Powerplay fives) in which the same restrictions apply. These blocks can be used by the captain at any stage of the match. If not, then they will be automatically enforced in the 41^st and 46^thover. The captain of the fielding side can use this rule to force a team to take risks at various stages of the match where there will be a good opportunity to pick up wickets.

Another ploy involving the fielders is the field setting for batsmen according to their strengths and weaknesses. The bowler then bowls according to this setting forcing the batsman to take chances on his weaker side, resulting in him being caught out or so on.