JustinHorton wrote: ↑Thu Mar 14, 2019 12:48 pm
Somebody's always out of form though. (In this context I often think of the 2005 Ashes series which England won even though a number of their players barely turned up.)
Off topic, but don’t think 2005 is the one I would choose! 2013 maybe! In fact the only batsman who didn’t turn up in 2005 was the only one in 2013 who did!
In some ways I think what may have helped (and it was the same situation in the Olympiad to some extent) was only having (effectively) 4 players in the team. Players don’t get time to dwell on apparent bad form, colour sequences are fairly regular so generally no single players find themselves harshly treated, everyone just has to get on with it. Very tough on Mickey, given the strength of field he has to face, with little relief, but ultimately good for the team if he can play every game, even if off colour. As anyone who has played top board at any level can attest, you can always console yourself with the knowledge that by playing you give every other player an easier game.
Downside of course is what happens if you get illness, but ultimately that’s just bad luck.
Alternatively, maybe there’s just an improved team spirit!