'Huddle' helps to generate team spirit

'Huddle in the middle' is a new fad being followed by some of the teams in the World Cup to generate team spirit.

Before the start of every match, players are being encouraged to put their arms around each other's shoulders and stand in a circle for an oath to fight together and win the match. At the end of the match too they have been asked to do the same to display their united effort.

England did it at Newlands in the match against Pakistan, and India too was seen doing the same during their clash against Zimbabwe.

Though the act has been copied from some of the leading soccer teams, it has rarely been seen in cricket except by Pakistan a few years back. For England, which strongly believes in cricketing tradition, such an act surprised many at the Newlands stadium.

England coach, Duncan Fletcher feels that the huddle will remind the players that they are fighting together against an opponent. "It's very important to do it in cricket than in any other sport," says Phil Neale, the England team manager.

"In cricket, unlike in soccer, players are not constantly on the move. Players can feel isolated while fielding at different positions. especially in the deep. This act should bring them together before the start and also remind them they have a common goal ahead of them," Neaale added.

When asked about this new practice of meeting in the middle, Indian team skipper Sourav Ganguly said: "Since we did not get much support from outside, we did it to support ourselves."

Most of the teams have come here with a team counsellor and many of them have asked their players to pass on a word or two among each other in between overs.

The close in fielders have been specially instructed to encourage the bowlers after every delivery through a soft clap. These counsellors are also reported to have lectured the teams on the importance of body language in overcoming an opponent.