Home > Cricket > Reuters > Report

Wright asks team to put country above self

September 24, 2003 15:53 IST

Coach John Wright has asked members of the Indian cricket team to put the country above self-interest as the side prepares to start a packed new season, commencing with a Test series against New Zealand at home from October 8.

"Fans and people of India deserve a team that fights. Winning and losing is part of the game. It's how you win and how you lose. The team must always play as a team and fight," Wright said at a function in Bangalore on Tuesday night.

India are set to play two Tests at home against New Zealand, followed by a tri-nation series also involving world champions Australia as the third team.

They will then tour Australia, where the team will play four Tests and also participate in a triangular one-day tournament.

"We are trying to establish that. First everyone understands that the team is the important thing. Team is more important than you. Team comes first. You yourself is not important," he said after releasing a CD, titled "Stretching for a splendid spine" by noted Yoga exponent Dr S N Omkar, who had conducted daily yoga classes for Indian cricket team probables during the recent camp at Bangalore.

Wright, who was responding to a question posed by a member of the audience, said though the Indian team comprised players from different parts of the country and support staff from abroad, every one has a common goal.

"Our role and that of players, particularly senior players, is to make everyone understand and accept that because of the team, they are representing the country. Team is more important then individuals," he said.

"It does not matter where you come from... your background... what to eat... what your religion is. You should put your efforts totally into the team effort," stressed Wright, a former New Zealand captain.

Physical trainer Gregory Allen King, also present on the occasion, said: "Yoga has lot of benefits and it's great to start physical training with it.

"If one practice it, injuries could be minimised."

Physiotherapist Andrew Leipus said, "Yoga can contribute in matters of strength, power and agility depending on how one uses it."

Medium pacer Venkatesh Prasad recalled how he could come out of a nagging neck problem after he started practising yoga.


Article Tools

Email this Article

Printer-Friendly Format

Letter to the Editor




Related Stories


Camp has improved fitness: King

Harbhajan bemused by NZ methods

Harbhajan fit for NZ series



People Who Read This Also Read


Latif resigns as Pak captain

ICC chief criticises UCB

Latif's captaincy in doubt






© Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.





Share your comments


 What do you think about the story?




Read what others have to say:


Number of User Comments: 6




Sub: Wright asks team to be selfless

Not only our cricketers who will be playing against the New Zealanders and Aussies in the up-coming Test Matches and one-dayers, but also the cricket-loving ...


Posted by A. Venkatesh





Sub: Put country above self

In spirit, the first person who has to do this is Sachin when he has to pay up the duty for the Ferrari immediately


Posted by Partha





Sub: Wright asks team to be selfless & Yoga

It is pitty someone outsider tell the benefits of Yoga to indian team. Australian player did a meditation on the ground pitch during the world ...


Posted by nadarasa





Sub: That is the spirit.

This is may be a word to Sachin Tendulkar , who did a tremondous job in World Cup , But threw his wicket in the ...


Posted by Tejas





Sub: Wright ask

PL make audio cassete of this and send to all cricket players.


Posted by Mrs,sadani




Disclaimer







Copyright © 2003 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.