It is an age old fact how Australians are great at playing mind games, no matter who is playing against them. This applies to even ex-players who play their part through the media by giving so called expert opinions. What they really are doing is giving the other team's players thoughts which they can really do without.
The basic strategy is to identify the strong points of the opposition. This is usually the star players or the difference makers on the other side. Their best bowler, their best batsmen, a new captain, the fan favourite etc. Regardless of how much I disagree with this strategy, media and mind games are part of the game but they should really apply it on the field. Any off the field comments should be discarded from the game especially from players in the squad.
Frankly, the Australians are the best at this as well.
Many a times, a series loss to Australia is due to someone they missed out. Its a dark horse who came out of nowhere and surprised everyone. SO basically, they beat you with the mind. I am not taking anything away from the Pontings and Warnes, not questioning their talent but rather saying that if you take away their off-the-field mind games away from the game, they arent as great as their records show.
There are enough examples to quote and hence wont quote any. Interested people can look at the recent comments of Lillee, Lehman, Steve Waugh, Warne, Ponting, Langer, Mark Taylor, Richie Benaud etc.
Just considering the last comments by Darren Lehman trying to tell Pietersen on how to play on the Adelaide wicket. If one goes through the whole comment you see that he didnt really give one solid point on which he could count on. He has given ideas then shown a disadvantage on that. So many thoughts which anyone could do without really. There is already going on inside a batsman's head when playing Warne, even if a single thought lingers on his mind other than his natural thought process, Warne can be trusted to get him out on that...as he is constantly at the batsmen. Not a bad ball at all. Lehman would've played his part off the field..heheh...
This also indicates that they feel Pietersen was the only player who played their ace card, Warne without any respect. He has no consideration for his records or portfolio and that is the attitude that is required to be successful against Warne.
Anyway, sledging is another part of the game well exploited by the Australians under the hat of Mind Games on the field. I will write on that sooner than later.
Formally published on SPORTINGO.com
