Afghanistan gamers with group’s mentor Ajay Jadeja throughout a apply session on the eve of their ICC Men’s World Cup ODI cricket match in opposition to the Netherlands, on the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, on Nov. 2, 2023.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Afghanistan’s seminal efficiency in the continued World Cup that helped them toss away the ‘minnows’ tag has so much to do with the appointment of Ajay Jadeja as their mentor, reckons head coach Jonathan Trott.
The Afghans have toppled defending champions England, former champions Pakistan and Bangladesh to garner six factors in the event up to now.
It is a place from which they’ll dream of a spot in the World Cup semifinals and a Champions Trophy berth in 2025.
Trott lavished reward on Jadeja for protecting the group in excessive spirits.
“I think Ajay brings a lot of experience having played a lot of cricket in India. He’s always a good sounding board with regards to conditions, venues and also the other subcontinent teams that we’ve played against,” Trott mentioned in the pre-match press meet right here on November 2.
The former England batsman mentioned having Jadeja on the board throughout a high-pressure occasion made his job a bit simpler.
“As for myself as a coach…as a good sounding board with decision making and sort of planning going forward for each game.
“It (Jadeja’s presence) is also another good set of eyes on the players to see how they’re preparing for the matches and how their careers and talent is being utilised,” added Trott.
Afghanistan would possibly view Lucknow, the venue of their subsequent match in opposition to Netherlands, as their ‘home ground’ after having been primarily based right here some years again.
But Trott dismissed the speculation of ‘home advantage’ due to the group’s prior expertise on the venue.
Trott mentioned the pitch has been re-laid on the Ekana stadium and that ought to nullify such causes.
“I think when it comes to home ground advantage, I think they (Afghanistan) have good experience of playing here. But in World Cup matches, they’ve relaid the pitch. So, it’s a little bit different to how it has been in the past. I don’t think (previous) experience plays that bigger role,” mentioned Trott.
However, Trott mentioned the expertise of taking part in in opposition to greater groups will stand them in good stead.
“But we’ve won against big sides. the big Test playing nations. So, that’s good. I think tomorrow’s challenge is going to be playing against a very good Dutch side who are in form and that’s going to be the challenge for us, so very excited for it.”
