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Ruthless simplicity is how I would describe Australia’s cricket so far in this Ashes series. The game plans are quite simple and the implementation of them has been nothing short of clinical.
It is reminding everyone of how Australia used to play: aggressive, disciplined fast bowling, fast scoring batting, with intent that puts pressure on the opposition bowlers and fielding that intimidates the opposition.
We have a saying at Yorkshire regarding our work in the field. We want every player to have a presence and to have good body language out there.
What I say to our boys is that, today I am leaving a ticket for a mate of mine. Without him seeing the scoreboard, I want him to assume that we are well on top.
What would that look like? What can you do so that my mate thinks we are driving the game?
It’s quite a simple yet effective way to keep the ‘hustle’ in our fielding efforts and that is exactly what we are seeing in this series so far.
Without looking at the scoreboard in this Adelaide Test, anyone who walked through the turnstiles would have known Australia were in front in the game.
The energy levels were high, there were great saves in the field, and chances were taken.
So what has changed?
It certainly helps when you get big runs in your first innings and you have a bowling attack executing a plan well, yet I can’t help but feel that the return of Fielding Coach Mike Young has had a massive impact.
I do not believe in coincidences.
When Australia was seen as the best fielding side in world cricket under John Buchanan, who was involved? Mike Young.
Australia’s fielding has been top drawer this series so far and this coincides with Mike being back in the fold.
He is more than a fielding coach. He has been a Level 3 Cricket Coach for 30 years. Not bad for an American-born and bred Baseball player and coach/manager.
In my opinion, his greatest strength is his motivating skills.
He is an amazing character to listen to with his American accent and enthusiasm. I have heard from many cricketers over the years that after a fielding session with Youngy, or a chat about the game, you walk away feeling 10 feet tall.
His fielding sessions are simple, specific and relevant, but it is his words, body language and encouragement that gives you that feeling that you can ‘make the play’: take the difficult chance, get the run out or make the important dive stop.
He praises effort and reminds you about possessing a good attitude to your work in the field.
“The game within the game,” as Youngy likes to say.
What does stand out is his genuine love for the game of cricket, his unconditional support of the lads, and positive energy that oozes out of him that is incredibly infectious.
You can’t help it, you have a smile on your face when you are in his company and I believe this is EXACTLY why Darren Lehmann has got Mike Young back involved with this Australian cricket Team.
Enjoyment.
Enjoy the hard work, enjoy the success of your mates, enjoy the game and put on a show for the spectators.
There is a common theme isn’t there? I think the word starts with ‘E’. It is great to see the Australian Team with smiles on their faces again.