Cricket has witnessed rapid changes over the last decade or so. The number of tournaments played worldwide has increased exponentially. The international calendar has become rigid, as a result, the teams are now focusing on the workload management of their players. The need to create a solid bench strength to cater to this issue is more than ever.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also forced the teams to work towards building second-string sides for their countries. Teams like India, England have already fielded their second-string sides in the absence of their senior players. In this article, we will rate the bench strength of cricket teams across the world.
5. South Africa Cricket Team
The South African cricket team has performed decently off late. They have great emerging prospects through the ranks of domestic cricket. But the Administrative concerns in South African Cricket caused a few roadblocks for their national team. The administration has faced criticism for its governance issues. In recent years, the likes of De Villiers, and Hashim Amla bid adieu to the game, while youngsters like Janneman Malan, Lizaad Williams are trying to make a mark in international cricket.
4. New Zealand Cricket Team
The New Zealand cricket team is no longer the underdogs. In the recent ICC World Test Championship, they proved that they have the mettle to dominate world cricket.
Over the last few years, the New Zealand team has managed to create a formidable bench strength. In the test match at Edgbaston, New Zealand was without six of their first-choice players but still beat the hosts. The likes of Devon Conway, Will Young, Kyle Jamieson strengthen the already solid core group of players that they have.
New Zealand has just six teams playing in domestic cricket, but their Coach Gary Stead believes that is what has worked for them in finding the correct talent. “We have just six teams playing domestic cricket and there are around 90 players to choose from. It actually works for us because we can work on them closely.”
3. Australia Cricket Team
Australia has a very rich cricketing culture. They were once a dominant force in world cricket, who could beat any side in any part of the world. The country has produced great talents like Sir Donald George Bradman, Steve Waugh, Glenn Mcgrath, Ricky Ponting, and many more.
Australia’s well-structured domestic cricket circuit helps them to churn out world-class players for their country. These days, the Big-Bash League has also had an immense impact in finding prospects for Australia. This Australian team may not be world dominants, but they sure do have capable youngsters who will keep their flag flying high at the international level.
2. England Cricket Team
The England cricket team showcased the prowess of their bench strength against Pakistan in the recent One-day series. They whitewashed Pakistan 3-0.
After seven members from their squad tested positive for Covid-19 following Sri Lanka, all the players and support staff members went in isolation. As a result, the England and Wales cricket team named a second-string side led by Ben stokes to face Pakistan. The 24-year-old Saqib Mahmood was the Player of the series with nine wickets in three matches. Having the likes of Crawley, Mahmood, Overton, Gregory makes England’s future look promising.
1. India Cricket Team
The Indian cricket team is going through one of the best phases in their cricketing history. They have managed to build an impeccable bench strength over the last few years. Recently, in the test series against Australia, the Indian team was ridden with as many as nine injuries. Despite this, they defeated the mighty Aussies 2-1.
The depth in Indian Cricket has allowed them to send two touring teams at the same time. The Indian test squad is in England, while a fairly inexperienced but talented squad has been sent to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier League and the Domestic structure of the country has helped them to produce an abundance of world-class talent.