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'Can't Take These Games Lightly': Shane Watson After AUS' Abysmal Mohali Outing

image-lmvhiw5iIndia dismantled Australia at Mohali on Friday (Twitter)

With World Cup 2023 set to kick off on October 5 in India, former Australia cricketer, Shane Watson has pointed out the significance of the warm-up games leading up to the main event.


Watson weighs in on the importance of warm-up games

Speaking to Star Sports for ‘Mission World Cup’, Watson shared the belief that teams should approach these games as closely as they would the primary matches of the World Cup. He reckoned that this strategy allows teams to build momentum and offers players clear roles.

“These warm-up games they are integral. For sure, you want to be able to play as close to your first and starting 11 for India against Australia; as close as you can. Because then you can build momentum, everyone knows what their roles are, everybody knows how to fulfill those roles,” said Watson.

The former all-rounder highlighted his own experience from 2007, noting that although the Australian team's confidence was initially low, a victory in their first warm-up game against England boosted their morale and set them on the path for the World Cup campaign.

“People don't realise how important those practice matches are. I know how important it was in 2007, in the lead up to the first game, our confidence in the Aussie team was a bit low but the first practice match we played against England we really started to build our confidence into that 2007 world cup campaign. So, you certainly can't take those games lightly. They are very important just to bring everyone together and start building that momentum,” added the erstwhile cricketer.

A point of contention in the Indian team, according to Watson, is the No. 5 batting position, made more uncertain due to recent injuries. He also highlighted the importance of this position, as well as the No. 8 spot, stressing the need for stability even in practice matches.

Meanwhile, India is scheduled to play warm-up games against England in Guwahati on September 30 and against Netherlands in Thiruvananthapuram on October 3. The warm-up fixtures will take place in Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad from September 29 to October 3.