A few days ago, during the Langer controversy, I came across an interesting suggestion by Ian Chappell. He is known as one of the best Australian captain and when he talks, generally everyone listens. His cricketing acumen is among the best. Naturally, when he brings up a revolutionary idea, naturally, it is bound to be taken note of. What was that interesting take by Ian Chappell?
“I don’t think the coach makes much difference at all. But having said that, if you’re appointing a new (coach), the first thing Cricket Australia should do is go to the captain and ask the question ‘do you want a coach? If he says yes, well ‘who do you want?’ Within bounds, the captain should get someone he can get along with and works well with. I don’t know why the hell Pat wasn’t asked that question or those questions.”
These were the words of Chappell. He doesn’t think that a coach will make any difference. Was Chappell correct in his assessment? Does a coach have any role at all in the team? The answer I think is yes and no.
The coach is an essential part of the team
The coach does have a role to play not just in a cricket team but in any sporting team. The argument against coach for an international team is that anyone who plays for the country, must have come up the hard way. He or she must have endured coaches right from an young age and as such is bound to have their bases covered anyway. In other words, they must be having a solid game to be considered for the highest level. It is correct upto a certain extent but if you think deeper, yes most of the players would have had coaches till a certain level. Their games would have been honed and nurtured but an overwhelming coaches do not have that international exposure. Hence, whatever they teach their wards is likely to take them to the next level but not to the highest level.
I think a coach is necessary at the international level. Even for a senior cricketer with loads of experience. A junior definitely needs that coach. The coach who has been there and who has done it will be able to help the junior with regards to the opposition, the conditions, the pitch and various other aspects of playing for the country. No player enjoys good form throughout their careers and hence a coach is necessary even during the later stages of one’s career to correct faults that is likely to have crept into a player’s game.
Steve Waugh holds Simpson in high esteem
Steve Waugh, in his autobiography heaps praise on Bob Simpson, who was the coach when he made his debut. He says that it was Simpson who brought in the much needed discipline in the team and that he was responsible for improving the fielding standards of the Aussies of that era.
Ofcourse, overkill must be avoided
Having said that, I do agree with Ian on onething. Nowadays, there are far too many coaches, one for batting, one for bowling, one for spinners, the other for fielding and a head coach on top of that. Various franchises around the world have gone overboard and they have mentors, directors and all sorts of nonsense for an event that does not extend beyond 2 months. This is certainly overkill but I am afraid that it is here to stay.
The other interesting point that Ian raises is about the Australian board
“Cricket Australia don’t know much about cricket that’s one of their problems. When I say they don’t know much about cricket, they don’t know much about winning games at the highest level and that’s been a problem all along. But I don’t think that question is even going to be asked now.”
I really cannot believe my eyes when I read that. Here is Chappell accusing Cricket Australia of not knowing anything about winning games at the highest level. I do not know in what sort of universe is Chappell living in. This is the same board that had selected players who went onto win not one, not two but 6 World Cups. Their team had been the runaway number one for close to 15 years.
They had defeated everyone in every part of the world. Some of their players are among the all-time greats of the game like Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist etc. They hold the record for the most successive wins in ODI World Cup. Also, Australia have twice had won 17 tests consecutively. Not to mention the fact that when the West Indies ruled the world, Australia were the only team to have had a positive record against them. They always produce top quality players even when were at the nadir.
These words of Chappell must be directed towards the Indian board. Given India’s resources and money, if Cricket Australia had access such richness, Australia will be unbeatable until the universe explodes.
Conclusion to interesting take by Ian Chappell
Though he has a little bit of merit, coaches at the highest level is required for both the experienced as well as the inexperienced players. As for Cricket Australia, I don’t know what do they need to do.