Cricket is played nine inches above the shoulder: Rajput
||CF Correspondent||
Zimbabwe head coach Lalchand Rajput advised his charges not to lose their sleep over their first Test series victory since 2011 as he pointed out the necessity of remaining calm.
A draw or a victory in the second and final Test against Bangladesh would give Zimbabwe their first away series victory after 17 years. But the task at their hands looks almost impossible as they will have to survive the fifth and final day of the second Test with eight wickets in hand.
Rajput said the batsmen need to just play rather than thinking about other stuffs or history.
“I know Zimbabwe were not in this position earlier. This is the first time where we are in a position where we can win a series,” he said.
“The main thing is cricket is played nine inches above the shoulders. This is very very important. They have to be really calm. They have to be really tough and go through those critical moments. There will be a phase when the bowlers are on top, and you have to respect that and go through that grind that shows that toughness. At the end, you’ve got to back your game. You’ve got to be confident about your defense and your shot selection. You’ve got to keep it very simple, not think too much, and if you keep it simple, then you succeed.”
Rajput said he tried to make the dressing room feel comfortable and positive.
“We’ve got to be positive and make them feel that it’s just another game. Don’t give that notion that we’re going to win the series if we draw, no, because that adds additional pressure on them. It’s just another game, you’ve got to go and show your skill level and try to bat the day. Have small sessions, one hour and then the lunch break. And then concentrate for another hour. Small sessions will do a world of good for us.”
