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Despite India’s 1-2 loss to Bangladesh, Suresh Raina has said that one poor show during an otherwise prosperous season is not grounds to vilify the team

Alagappan Muthu in Mirpur24-Jun-20153:25

‘You can’t disrespect Dhoni’s achievements’ – Raina

Although the 2-1 series defeat to Bangladesh has generated severe critique against India, Suresh Raina, after the 77-run win in the third ODI, has said that one poor show during an otherwise prosperous season is not grounds to vilify the team.”The team’s graph is going upwards definitely,” he said. “These were the last matches of the season. We don’t know when we are next playing one-days. We have done quite well in the format and we are still No.2 in the world. It’s not that you become good or bad in just one series.”India have won 14 out of 20 ODIs in the 2014-15 season, putting them third behind Australia and New Zealand. That also provided reason for Raina to stick to the same argument regarding MS Dhoni’s role as captain.”You can’t disrespect him and what he has achieved,” Raina said. “He has won so many trophies for BCCI. At the same time he’s a good human being, good honest man. One series can’t make him bad. He’s a good leader. Everyone loves him in the dressing room. There’s still a lot of cricket left for him. So just wait for some time.”Having stuck to his role as finisher for a long time, Dhoni has hiked himself up the order to try and lend India’s middle order some backbone. He struck 69 off 77 balls to help India to its only win on this tour.”The way he [Dhoni] has batted in the last two games has showed how important No. 4 is for him,” Raina said. “He has taken a lot of responsibility over the years and he showed it today as well. He set the tone for us today with Shikhar [Dhawan]. Me and Stuey [Binny] had a good partnership after the 40th over, you can execute [big shots] later on. Look at the kind of players we have. Look at Ambati Rayudu, he batted really well with MS also. So If you have a partnership of 70-80, then you can easily accelerate later on.That meant Raina, with his experience, became the designated finisher. He took to the role quite well on a slow pitch in Mirpur, striking 38 off 21 balls, helping India rack up 90 runs in the last 10 overs. While admitting that the chances of success batting lower down the order are up and down, he did say he was better suited to the role now.”No. 6 is not an easy position, you have to accelerate,” he said. “Sometimes you get runs, sometimes you don’t. But still you need to be positive in your mind. I am really happy. I have worked really hard with Ravi [Shastri] and at the same time Sanjay Bangar has really helped me a lot as well. Like I used to bat at leg stump, but Ravi said if you stay at middle you can play your shots over cover, over mid-off, over mid-on [better].”My mindset has improved over the years as well. I have learned how to bat with the tailenders. When you are not scoring runs up front, you need to just look to bat really well with whoever comes in. Whether it is Jadeja, Axar, Ashwin, Stuart or Harbhajan…because you need to get a lot of runs towards the end because getting totals of 260-280 are easier to defend.”Having expressed a desire to bat higher in the line-up and shape an innings, Raina conceded that he was happy to pitch in however he could.”No regrets moving down the order. I just want to win games for India. I can score a quick 40 or a quick 80. But still when we won the World Cup in 2011, I scored 35 not out against Australia and 37 not out against Pakistan. That’s my best innings ever. I would love to bat up the order, but whatever the team needs me to do, I just have to take that responsibility.”A part of that has been to chip in as a part-time bowler, especially on slow pitches like in Mirpur. Raina said, apart from “working hard” on his offspin and tidbits from R Ashwin, his instincts as a batsman comes in handy.”You know that five fielders are in and you have to contain, not let them rotate the strike. It’s pressure on the batsmen too, chasing 300 and they know that five fielders are inside – that gives a chance to bowlers if you bowl a good line and length. I know how a batsman plays in that situation because when I’m batting, my mind also works like that. So I have some experience of bowling in those situations.”

The United States were in control as Sophia Smith and Lindsay Horan also found the net in a comfortable 3-0 victory at the home of Inter Miami

Despite all of the issues that plagued this group throughout 2023, there’s no doubt that the U.S. women’s national team’s attacking unit is absolutely stacked – Emma Hayes, the team’s incoming manager, really is spoiled for choice.

No player can be considered a lock, not at this level, but, after another superstar performance on Saturday, it feels like Trinity Rodman is the closest thing to it. Rodman is unstoppable and, at this point, undroppable as the USWNT star continues to be a matchwinner at the highest level.

Rodman assisted two goals before scoring one of her own, leading the way in a 3-0 win over China. Her first assist saw her tee up Sophia Smith, who should have had a few more goals to her name by the end of this one. Her wayward finishing prevented that but, even so, the USWNT attack showed a viciousness we hadn’t seen in quite some time.

Rodman’s second assist, admittedly, wasn’t as intentional, as her throw-in to Lindsey Horan led to a fortunate goal after the ball was floated in, intended as a pass. Rodman, though, knew all about the USWNT’s third, as she scored a goal of her own on the back post late in the second half to put the game away.

The goal was her fifth of the year in what was her 17th USWNT appearance of 2023. There will be plenty more in her future as Rodman continues to grow and grow into the role of a true superstar.

GOAL rates USWNT players from DRV PNK Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defense

Casey Murphy (6/10):

That can be the life of a USWNT goalkeeper: sometimes, you don't have to do much! Rarely challenged she'll no doubt be happy with a clean sheet.

Emily Fox (6/10):

A different sort of game for Fox, who tucked in more than usual. Her versatility is such an asset as she can do so many different things on either side of the field.

Abby Dahlkemper (7/10):

Welcome back! Didn't have to do much defending, but she was solid at the back and showed off the passing range that makes her such a fun part of this player pool.

Naomi Girma (8/10):

What can't she do?!? Played the pass to earn a hockey assist on the opener and kept another clean sheet.

Casey Krueger (8/10):

An absolute menace throughout the first half. Was given freedom to roam and she took it, causing chaos all over the right-hand side.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Emily Sonnett (6/10):

Continued to thrive in midfield. Some good interceptions and recoveries, even if the passing could have been a bit better.

Lindsey Horan (7/10):

Wasn't expecting to get a goal from her long ball into the box but who cares? It's what happens when a midfielder makes things happen, and that's what Horan continues to do for the USWNT.

Savannah DeMelo (6/10):

Got beat up a bit, but did make things happen when on the field. Looks like a veteran despite having so few caps to her name.

Rose Lavelle (6/10):

The quality was there, but the execution was just a bit off. Looked a little rusty, but still had moments that made you go 'Wow!'

GettyAttack

Sophia Smith (7/10):

Got her goal, but probably should have had three or four more. She'll be disappointed with that, but it's nice to see the USWNT generating chances again.

Trinity Rodman (8/10):

Technically, a multi-assist game, but we'll only talk about the first one. A fantastic ball into Smith as Rodman continues to create real danger in a USWNT shirt. Got her goal, too, to put the cap on a true superstar performance.

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GettySubs & Manager

Mia Fishel (7/10):

Surely made her presence felt, and was unlucky not to get a goal.

Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):

Just an inch or two away from getting a goal, but then got her assist late on. She continues to prove she belongs at this level.

Sam Coffey (6/10):

Replaced Sonnett as a deep-lying midfielder and the USWNT didn't see any drop-off in that spot.

Jenna Nighswonger (6/10):

A good taste of the action for the NWSL Rookie of the Year, who had some decent moments in her first cap.

Olivia Moultrie (6/10):

The second debutant, the 18-year-old midfielder replaced Rose Lavelle, which felt symbolic. Got a little excited on a late shot, but you can excuse that.

Midge Purce (7/10):

Helped create the third goal. The NWSL champion has brought her form to the USWNT and is really playing her way into the mix.

Twila Kilgore (8/10):

Got everything right. Shook things up tactically, giving some life to the attack. And then, with the game done and dusted, was able to get some young players some big minutes. A perfect day for the U.S.

Ricardo Pepi has made USMNT history in his role as super-sub, with a serious claim being staked to filling a starting berth under Gregg Berhalter.

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United States in CONCACAF Nations League actionPSV striker among the goals once moreHas impressed as an impact substitute for his countryWHAT HAPPENED?

The 20-year-old striker has already spoken this season of making peace with the fact that he may be restricted to an impact role with club and country – as he is not guaranteed minutes at Eredivisie outfit PSV.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pepi continues to make an impression whenever called upon, though, and was back among the goals for the United States in their 3-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago in the first leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final. He has now netted five times off the bench for the USMNT in 2023 – the best return that any American has offered over the course of a calendar year.

WHAT THEY SAID

Berhalter has said of Pepi sounding a warning to striking rivals such Folarin Balogun when it comes to competition for places in his starting XI: “All he does is when he gets the opportunity, takes advantage of it. And he's in a great spot. If you think about his situation, his [club] team in the league is undefeated, doing well in the Champions League. Compared to last year, his team was relegated. The year before he wasn't playing at Augsburg. So he's significantly increased his situation. He's gotten much better for us. He's established himself as a guy that's hard to take out because he keeps performing and I think he's in a great spot.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Pepi suffered relegation out of the Eredivisie during a loan spell at Groningen last season, but he did hit 13 goals for the Dutch outfit and returned to the Netherlands when linking up with PSV. He has been catching the eye at international level after missing out on a place in the USMNT squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Alejandro Garnacho has been branded a “clown” following his second penalty spot scuff in as many outings for Manchester United against FC Copenhagen.

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Forward in European action for Red DevilsSuffered disappointing defeat in DenmarkAngered home support and playersWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentina international saw his antics work during a first meeting with Danish opposition at Old Trafford – with Andre Onana saving a late spot-kick from Jordan Larsson that preserved the Red Devils’ narrow 1-0 lead.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Garnacho was at it again on Wednesday, with the 19-year-old winger trying a similar tactic before Diogo Goncalves converted from 12 yards. United would go on to lose a dramatic tie 4-3, with Marcus Rashford picking up a controversial red card.

WHAT THEY SAID

Denis Vavro was one of the heroes for Copenhagen on a memorable European evening, and he told afterwards of Garnacho’s actions: “I saw that he tried to do something about the penalty kick, but Kevin Diks stood in front and blocked. It is the second time. And then on our track? To me he is a clown. He has the mentality of a child when he tries something like this again. In an away game. One thing is at home in the 97th minute, but here in the first half. I don’t understand him trying to do that.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Garnacho had incensed the home support when making shushing gestures towards the crowd after Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty of his own to put United 3-2 up on the night, but it was the hosts who had the last laugh as the Red Devils were left with their hopes of continental progress in 2023-24 hanging by a thread.

Wrexham have received a double boost with Steven Fletcher in line to return to action and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo back in training.

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Scottish striker close to returnOkonkwo back in training after jaw opWrexham face up to hectic festive scheduleGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of Saturday's Welsh derby against Newport at the Racecourse Ground, manager Phil Parkinson has given encouraging updates about two key players who are close to a return to full fitness. Fletcher has been absent since picking up a knee injury that required surgery in late October. Meanwhile, Arsenal loanee Okonkwo suffered a facial injury last month which also required an operation.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

Speaking to the press ahead of a busy festive period, Parkinson announced that Fletcher had returned to training alongside full-back Ryan Barnett, although he could not put an exact date on his first-team comeback. "Fletch and Barney have been back involved this week," said the Wrexham boss. "We are just assessing them to see how the week progresses but it is good to get them back on the training ground. The good thing for Fletch is that when he joined us, he came in without a pre-season and this injury has allowed us an opportunity for the medical team to do a lot of fitness work with him."

On Okonkwo, Parkinson added: "Arthur's been back with us a couple of days now so we are pleased with that. We will just keep monitoring him on a day-to-day basis. He has a protective guard and has looked fine so far. He hasn't trained fully yet, just non-contact, but he is getting his handling back going and his kicking. We are gradually easing him back in but it's good to get him back up here and it's good to get him back involved with the lads again."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wrexham fans will be cheered by the news of players returning ahead of a busy period that may well shape the rest of their promotion push, and will hope to see Fletcher back partnering star striker Paul Mullin in the final third as soon as possible. Wrexham's injuries had been mounting ahead of their postponed trip to Forest Green a fortnight ago but appear to be easing ahead of a run of four games in nine days.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

The festive fun begins on Saturday with a tasty-looking Welsh derby against Newport County. Trips to Swindon and Walsall follow before a mouthwatering clash against fellow promotion hopefuls Barrow on New Year's Day.

Sri Lanka’s sports minister has expressed his confidence that Sri Lanka Cricket’s current standoff with the ICC will be resolved, while the ICC has agreed to release a small percentage of the sum it is holding in escrow

Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Apr-2015Sri Lanka’s sports minister has expressed his confidence that Sri Lanka Cricket’s current standoff with the ICC will be resolved, while the ICC has agreed to release a small percentage of the sum it is holding in escrow. Navin Dissanayake, the sports minister, said SLC would shortly receive USD $300,000 from the ICC, which amounts to about 2.5% of the payment due to the board.The release of this money, which is effectively Sri Lanka’s prize money from the 2015 World Cup, is seen by SLC as a step toward the board’s full reintegration at the ICC. Dissanayake said he had also received a letter from ICC last week, and expects to respond over the next few days. He hopes to outline his reasons for suspending the SLC elections and appointing an interim committee.”I can say that the letter from ICC was very cordial and there was nothing confrontational about it,” Dissanayake said. “So I am certain, we can sort this out with ICC. I am meeting ICC Chief Executive David Richardson and ICC Chairman Srinivasan to negotiate the matters shortly.”The ICC’s constitution does not allow for government interference in cricket administration in full member nations. However, the SLC comes under the sports ministry’s purview, according to Sri Lanka’s sports law. This, Dissanayake said, was the crux of the wrangle.”There is a conflict between Sri Lanka Sports Law and ICC regulations,” he said. “It can be negotiated. ICC has to understand the situation in member countries.”Dissanayake also said Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department would probe the awarding of local broadcasting rights of Sri Lanka matches to Carlton Sports Network as part of a wider investigation.Meanwhile, a collective of Sri Lanka Cricket stakeholders, most from voting clubs and associations, has urged the Sri Lankan government to reinstate elections at Maitland Place. Sixty-eight members of cricket associations had met over the weekend, and expressed concern that SLC had been sidelined by the ICC.The collective issued a release which said “outgoing office bearers” would seek an appointment with the government “to discuss this issue in order to minimize the damage that could cause to Sri Lanka Cricket and the restoration of the democratic rights of the membership.”

The Lionesses beat world champions United States at a sold-out Wembley on Friday, but were held to a 0-0 draw by the Czech Republic four days later

England could not have played their part in two more contrasting fixtures this week – hitting an incredible high before crashing back down to earth a little bit.

On Friday, they beat the world champions, the U.S. women's national team, in a thrilling game of football that entertained throughout with the exciting attackers on show and, quite frankly, the sloppy defending that went with it.

But Tuesday was quite different. A goalless draw against a Czech Republic side they were expected to beat didn't cause the same stir, neither in the result nor the performance.

So with another international break wrapped up, GOAL picks out the winners and losers from the Lionesses' latest preparation for next summer's World Cup…

GettyWINNER: Sarina Wiegman

Wiegman came into the international break with her unbeaten record as England boss about to be seriously tested, as her team faced the world champions.

However, she emerged with it intact: 24 games played, 21 wins, three draws and no defeats. It maintains the longest ever run without defeat for any England team – bettering the run of 22 games that Gareth Southgate's side achieved from November 2020 to June 2022.

But it's not the fact her team didn't lose that makes Wiegmann a winner. The victory over the USWNT was a huge statement and massive for this squad's ever-growing confidence. It was a test against one of the world's best sides and perfect preparation for the 2023 World Cup.

The game with the Czech Republic was nowhere near as enthralling or headline-grabbing, but it was an important match to play. There's no doubt the Lionesses will come up against teams that frustrate them like this looking ahead to next summer's tournament, and this match will be an important one to look back on as they form game plans for those tests.

Wiegman got exactly what she wanted from this international window.

AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Arsenal

It might have been a successful camp for England in that sense, but it wasn't without negatives. Most of those came in the build-up to the game against the U.S., as three players had to withdraw due to injury.

Alessia Russo's issue was described as just a "small" problem and hopefully Lucy Parker will not be set back for long with what is a muscle injury. However, there is still no news about the third player to pull out – the England captain, Leah Williamson.

For the Lionesses, it's a shame but not a debilitating loss at this time in their tournament cycle. For Arsenal, however, it is concerning.

The Gunners kick off their Women's Champions League group-stage campaign next week in the most difficult place possible – away to Lyon, the reigning European champions and eight-time winners. With Rafaelle, their Brazilian centre-back, having just fractured her foot, Williamson's absence leaves the English side down to two centre-backs as the season prepares to enter its busiest period.

Given how tough a group Jonas Eidevall's side have got in Europe, to lose Williamson for a significant period of time would be a massive blow.

GettyWINNER: Lauren James

Wiegman isn't known for making many changes to her teams or handing out appearances for the sake of it. So when the line-up came out for Tuesday evening's clash with the Czech Republic and Lauren James, Chelsea's fleet-footed 21-year-old, was in it, there was some surprise.

It was as if James played with the thought in her head that these chances are rare and she had to take it, too, as she lit up the pitch every time she touched the ball on what was her full England debut.

Facing an opposition that were tough to break down, the creativity and directness in her play was a real asset and almost led to the deadlock being broken when she rattled the post in the opening minutes.

Her night lasted just over an hour but she certainly made her mark in the time she was on the field.

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GettyLOSER: Chloe Kelly

Chloe Kelly was the hero in the summer, the player who is the centre of the defining image of England's Euro 2022 triumph, her celebration after scoring the winning goal in the final hitting the front of every newspaper the morning after.

However, she is one of many talented wide players at Wiegman's disposal and getting a starting role in this team, ahead of players like Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead, remains a challenge.

Kelly got a chance to show what she could do from the start in this camp, with the front line rejigged to make up for Russo's absence. But the 24-year-old struggled to get involved in both games, despite being in both line ups.

There's no question over the talent Kelly has and she'll just hope she can show that more in the next international window. After all, the competition for those forward positions is only growing as players like James start to settle in.

Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard took a shot at Tottenham Hotspur as he claimed that the north London side are not better than the Blues this season.

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Hazard savagely trolled TottenhamAdmitted Liverpool and Man City are better than ChelseaThe Blues are 12 points behind SpursWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues legend, while speaking to former colleague John Obi Mikel on his podcast, admitted that clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool are currently performing better than Chelsea but dismissed Tottenham Hotspur's name.

AdvertisementWHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Speaking on , Hazard said, "But the Premier League is so hard. You see now, I think, Manchester City, they are better than Chelsea. You see Liverpool, they are better than Chelsea."

Obi Mikel then briefly interrupted the Belgian to bring up Tottenham's name to which he mockingly replied, "No, no, Tottenham no. They play good football, yeah but you know Tottenham. As a Chelsea legend, you can't say that man."

The Nigerian then stated, "I'm not saying they gonna win the league though. For sure, they are not going to win the league."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Since Todd Boehly took the reins from Roman Abramovich ahead of the 2022/23 season, Chelsea have seen their performance go downhill. Despite spending close to £1 billion (€1.1 billion) to set up the squad, the Blues did not see much success in the past one and a half years. After finishing 12th in the 2022/23 campaign, they currently find themselves 10 in the Premier League, 12 points behind fifth-placed Tottenham.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Mauricio Pochettino's side, who held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in the last game week, will be next seen in action in the final of the Carabao Cup against Liverpool on Sunday.

Alexei Kervezee’s 110 and 99 from Moeen Ali put Worcestershire well on top at stumps on day three of their Championship clash with Derbyshire at New Road

Press Association29-Apr-2014
ScorecardAlexei Kervezee’s hundred gave Worcestershire control (file photo)•PA PhotosAlexei Kervezee’s 110 and 99 from Moeen Ali put Worcestershire well on top at stumps on day three of their Championship clash with Derbyshire at New Road. Former Netherlands international Kervezee reached his ton off 132 balls and helped the hosts, responding to Derbyshire’s below-par first innings total of 219, reach a hefty 432 for 9 at close.Resuming on 31 without loss, openers Daryl Mitchell and Matthew Pardoe put on 72 for the first wicket before the Derbyshire attack had belated success when Mitchell was caught by Dan Hodgson off David Wainwright for 26. On a frustrating day in the field, spinner Wainwright was the pick of the Derbyshire attack as he finished with 3 for 102 off his 28 overs.Pardoe followed seven overs later, one run short of his half-century, and the visitors scented a change in fortune when Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell lbw to Tony Palladino for 11. But those hopes were extinguished by a fine fourth-wicket stand of 78 between Ali and Kervezee before Ali met Wes Durston’s offspin with a back-foot shot straight at Tim Groenewald just before tea.Kervezee battled on to make his century before he was caught by Wayne Madsen off Mark Footitt to leave Worcestershire on 388 for 7. Jack Shantry’s departure from the next ball left Footitt on a hat-trick, but Footitt would have to wait two more overs for his third wicket of the innings when he had Saeed Ajmal caught by Chesney Hughes for 1.At the close, Gareth Andrew was providing sterling resistance on an unbeaten 71 with last man Charles Morris 13 not out as Worcestershire carved out a lead of 213.

Duncan Fletcher has said that the India players were “overconfident” on the tours to South Africa and New Zealand and ended up complicating their games, something he wants them to avoid in England

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2014Duncan Fletcher, the India coach, has said that his players were “overconfident” on the tours to South Africa and New Zealand and ended up complicating their games, something he wants them to learn from and avoid in England.India lost their last two Test series overseas by a 1-0 margin. They set South Africa a target of 458 in the first Test in Johannesburg, before the hosts held on for a thrilling draw, finishing within striking distance of the target. The second Test was claimed by South Africa, who won by 10 wickets, chasing down India’s target of 58. In New Zealand, India fell 40 runs short in the first Test and were then thwarted by New Zealand, who saved the second Test after being dismissed for 192 in the first innings.”With these young boys I felt they could have been a little overconfident when they went to South Africa and New Zealand because they had done so well in India,” Fletcher told . “As the series went, it made them realise that playing away from home is very difficult. They believe that they have learnt from those tours and so there is positivity in the camp but the overconfidence has gone. But again, until you actually go out there and play a game, you will never know if you actually have learnt.”The biggest mistake the India players committed, according to Fletcher, was making their games complicated. “The batsmen, for instance, tried to bat a little too differently than they would in India,” he said. “The only actual difference was they had to get used to a bit more bounce. Because of this bounce, when it comes to the short ball, you just have to make up your mind whether you’re going to play or leave it. In India, you can play it on a consistent basis.”For the bowlers the length changes a little; you have to bowl a bit fuller when you go overseas. And it’s not an easy thing to do, especially for a young bowler. You’ve been groomed and trained your brain to bowl a certain way and even if the difference is only 6-12 inches, it’s not easy to make the change instantly and that too under pressure.”We see experienced international players’ games altering under pressure. Now here is an inexperienced side with players who are still learning their game and they will take time to get used to the varied challenges.”India are without Zaheer Khan in England and though Ishant Sharma has played 55 Tests, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Aaron have a combined 13 Tests between them, and Ishwar Pandey and Pankaj Singh are yet to debut. Fletcher said that while his pace attack was raw, it had a lot of variety.”The bowlers are pretty inexperienced. We haven’t really got anyone to lead the group and we haven’t taken 20 wickets in a Test since quite a while now. But for once we have a good variety in our pace attack. They are still pretty inexperienced but experience can also come from learning quickly, and we hope they have done that. It will be so very crucial for them as a unit to stay disciplined and not try too much. It’s just about ensuring that we get these young men’s minds right.”The BCCI had asked former India captain Rahul Dravid to spend some time with the team ahead of the series on the team management’s request. Fletcher said Dravid’s presence would help not only the batsmen, but also the bowlers, who the coach wanted to think like batsmen do.”People would think I have called him to help the batsmen,” Fletcher said. “But actually it’s as much for the bowlers. What people don’t understand is that the bowlers think like bowlers. I want Rahul to talk to them and make them think like batsmen. That way they will know what areas a batsman likes and doesn’t like, which will help them a great deal in forming their strategies. The problem is that the Indian bowlers don’t bat or practise batting when they’re playing domestic cricket. And so, while they understand their bowling, they don’t understand batting.”Rahul can play a role right through. His approach and his character is so good. I’ve really enjoyed talking cricket with Rahul. I really rated him and wanted him back in the side for some time now. We’ve had some chats since he got here and discussed various ideas and possibilities. What I also like about him is that he can relate to the players culturally. Also, if a player gets the same message from more than one person, he is going to be more convinced about it.”Dravid was India’s most successful batsman on the previous tour of England in 2011 and since then, the team has been in transition since with several experienced players retiring or being dropped. Fletcher said his coaching methods had also changed as he had to deal with young players now.”Fortunately for me, I went through a similar phase with England where the older players were left out or retired and a whole new generation of cricketers came in. The major difference is that with the older ones you just sit back and let them come to you. No matter how good and experienced one is, bad habits sometimes creep in and you’ve got to help them get rid of those small bad habits without being too overbearing.”The younger players are a bit reluctant because they don’t understand their game fully. So, you’ve got to go to them and talk to them. However, you have to make sure you send the message very clearly because otherwise they can get confused and start making their game more difficult. You keep the communication very simple and don’t make more than one change at a time, even though some players might require more than one change – technically and mentally. The key is to change only one link of the chain at a time. If you change two, you don’t know which one will confuse the player. That’s why it takes time. Cricket is not an easy game to improve at in a short time.”