Tigers, you can do it

Tigers, from an expatriate ex-baseball player who has adopted you as his own and who wants you to win, wants to give you some suggestions. Do not be satisfied with merely entering the quarterfinals. Respect but do not fear your opponent.

The first cricket match I watched was when you beat India in the 2007 WC. Do not leak your strategy to the press before the match. Catches win matches and watch the ball into your hands. Avoid silly run-outs and communicate. Avoid rash slogging too early. Keep wickets in hand. If you are certain the umpire is wrong, ask for a review. Use pace bowlers in the death overs. Use at least one slip with every pace bowler. Prevent singles and dive to save boundaries. Excessive short balls will be punished.

Bowlers do not give too many extras. You must take 10 wickets to beat India. You must exceed 300 to beat India. Enjoy the match and play without fear.

Though your head and hands are important, you will win this match with your heart.

Scott Elliott
On e-mail