London: Veteran England fast-bowler Stuart Broad has revealed taking help of sports psychologist to gear up for the much-anticipated Test series against West Indies stating July 8.
The three-match series between the two teams will mark the resumption of cricket after the sport was suspended in March due to coronavirus pandemic.
The matches will be played behind closed doors looking at the virus threat and Broad stated it will be difficult to recreate the performances that players are used to without the fans pushing them on. “It is a worry for me because I know that I perform at my best as a player when the game is at its most exiting and when the game needs changing,” Broad said during a video conference as per Cricbuzz.
“I also know that there are certain scenarios that bring the worst out of me as a cricketer and that is when I feel the game is just floating along and there is nothing on it. “International cricket certainly will be more of a mental test to make sure each player is right up for the battle. And I’m very aware of that. “I’ve already spoken to our sports psychologist about creating a bit of a mindset around making sure I can get my emotions up to where they need to be at my best,” he added.
Citing example of playing in an Ashes Test and a friendly, Broad said his performances differ considering which stage he is playing at and that is something that he will have to keep under check when there are no fans in the stands in the upcoming series. “If you put me in an Ashes game or a pre-season friendly, I know which one I’ll perform better in. So I’ve got to make sure my emotions are where they need to be for an international Test match. And that’s something I started working on in early June,” he said.
The first Test will be played at the Ageas Bowl while the second and the third Test will be played at the Old Trafford from July 16 and 24 respectively.
On the other hand, the delayed 2020 county cricket season will finally begin on August 1, announced the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday. The season, due to start in April, was suspended indefinitely in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, also pushing ECB’s new tournament ‘The Hundred’ to 2021.
The format of the County Championship will be decided by the 18 First-Class Counties in early July and subsequently, the new schedule will be announced. “A commitment to play women’s domestic cricket in 2020 has also been made, but may differ from the planned rollout of the new women’s elite domestic structure,” said the ECB in a statement. (IANS)
