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Just the medicine the team needed

Winning the third one-day match in the Pepsi Cup obviously gave us the lift we needed, but also the confidence and the self-belief so important in the one-day game. One-day cricket is all about confidence and momentum, and the turnaround in Faridabad was just the medicine the team needed before coming to Baroda.

The training facilities at the Kiren More acadamy were world class and it is my honest opinion that many potentially good players from this state will go on and represent their country simply because of the advice and enthusiasm of all concerned with the academy. In South Africa and Australia lots of these academies exist, but the key lies in the expert advice and the quality of the pitches.

One such expert in Australia is Ian Chappel who spends time with the young players in Australia talking about the use of feet and playing the short stuff. I reckon a lot in cricket depends on ability, but far more is the ability of a cricketer to listen to advice, especially when it comes in the form of former greats like the current Channel 9 commentary team. Players who have travelled the world and seen most conditions first hand. My advice to any young player would be to take a glass of red wine, a beer, or a softdrink and spend time with the top players and share their knowledge; you may just pick up something that will turn a good player into a great player.

Tomorrow's match once again is a crucial match for us and it was good to see our players responding to the challenges of pressure situations. We feel that we are more and more learning how to master the turning ball and are looking forward to what looks like a good pitch and a beautiful outfield. The players desperately want to push the series into the last match and will no doubt give their best in this key match.

The spectators and general public have been great and I believe that cricket in India is very much alive and well in this part of the world. Full houses always bring the best out of players and no doubt the home support does help the home team, it also encourages good entertainment from the opposition, and my message to all spectators would be to continue their unbelievable support and love for the game.

(Gameplan)

Hansie Cronje