 Indian management had sent a request to BCCI to send some Test players earlier
than scheduled to South Africa for the Test series in December. BCCI
has expected their request and has agreed to some players, it not confirmed
as yet who the players are or how many will be sent early. Indian team management
said that this move was designed to accommodate the lack of practice matches
leading up to series but more importantly will help Indian players get familiarized
with the climate and overhead conditions in South Africa.
The group of players will depart after playing an ODI series of five matches
against New Zealand which will end on 10th December, leaving a gap of
just five days between the last ODI the first Test against South Africa which
will start on 16th December.
In the current ongoing series against Australia, India have rested seven of
the first choice players. They are likely to follow the same route in the series
against New Zealand. This move is logical since it would allow the Indian players
to have adequate rest leading up to the World Cup in February next year.
BCCI's official statement came from Ratnakar Shetty, the chief administration
officer. He said that the request came from Gary Kirsten, The Indian Coach.
Shetty said that the team management and coach had articulated a request to
send a group of Test players early so they can adapt to conditions in South
Africa. South African born Gary Kirsten is well acquainted with the conditions
and possible difficulties that Indian players would face in South Africa.
MS Dhoni has also pointed out that India are to play 12 ODIs before the World
Cup in the subcontinent starts. He said he wants his side shuffled in a way
that his players remain fresh. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was also concerned
that work load may cause injuries to his players, and he wants a full strength
squad for World Cup on their home soil.
There is a perhaps point of debate here. Many former and present cricketers
like Michael Holding, Imran Khan and MS Dhoni have expressed concerns over tight
schedules and workload affecting quality of cricket as well as the duration
of cricketers. Fast bowling has suffered most, because of overdose of cricket.
Imagine Freddie Flintoff and Brett Lee could still have been playing
Test cricket if they weren't overworked by international cricket. With teams
resting their players like this, is a serious concern for ICC. ICC have made
committees, held discussions and made public statements on the issue but like
always have failed to tackle it.
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