What is standby players in cricket

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Cricket is a sport that involves two teams with 11 players on each side. The game is played on a field with a pitch in the middle where most of the action takes place. Nothing excites cricket fans more than witnessing an excellent athletic display from their favorite players. But just behind these spectacular performances are lesser-known but equally vital characters in every professional match. They are the standby players.

The Concept of Standby Players

A standby player, also known as a substitute or reserve player, is essentially a player who does not make it into the playing team but is still part of the squad. These players act as substitutes and wait in the wings to replace any player during a match if necessary due to injury, illness, or other reasons by which an active player cannot continue.

However, there are specific rules regarding when and how a standby player may enter the ground. According to International Cricket Council (ICC) laws, only fielding substitutions are allowed for injuries sustained during play, while batting substitutions are strictly prohibited unless under exceptional circumstances approved by match officials.

The Importance of Standby Players

The presence of standby players in cricket matches serves several crucial purposes. One significant role they play is ensuring that teams always have suitable replacements ready should any unanticipated situations arise. This provision helps maintain the strength and size of a team even amidst unforeseen circumstances preventing one or more first-eleven players from continuing further into the game.

Additionally, having standby players encourages healthy competition among teammates. It gives them motivation to constantly improve their performance because everybody wants to secure their position in the 11-member primary team.

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Standby players often provide strategic advantages too. Each player has unique attributes and skills that can be beneficial against certain oppositions or under specific conditions; thus, having a range of options can give flexibility when picking out strategies.

Training and Preparation for Standby Players

Standby players undergo the same rigorous training and preparation as their colleagues in the playing eleven. They have to be ready to perform at a high level whenever called upon, which means they need to remain mentally and physically fit, consistently honing their skills and staying updated with team plans.

Coaching staff play an essential role in this process. It’s up to them to keep standby players engaged and motivated despite not being regular match-day athletes. This makes managing cricket teams a task that requires equal parts strategy and people management.

Unsung Heroes: Standby Players Making Their Mark

Although not always in the limelight, there have been several instances where standby or substitute fielders have made significant impacts in matches. By taking spectacular catches or effecting run-outs, these players have changed match dynamics when least expected.

This value placed on substitutes has even resulted in some teams employing specialist fielders – extraordinary athletes whose primary role is to contribute as a substitute player during crucial phases of the game. Cricket lovers will never forget great catches taken by substitutes like Dinesh Mongia for India or Gary Pratt for England – names etched into cricket folklore due to their exploits as substitute fielders.

In conclusion, though the name ‘standby’ might suggest otherwise, sitting out does not necessarily mean time wasted in a sport such as cricket. Standby players can single-handedly turn the tide of a match while simultaneously maintaining the morale of the team by ensuring no gap remains unfilled. So next time you switch on your television set or live stream to enjoy a glorious day of cricket – spare a thought for those waiting eagerly outside the boundary ropes, ever-ready to spring to action should duty call.

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