Extra Mileage

A naughty Sikh boy goes on wrooming… through the house with his Maruti 800 toy car. To everyone’s annoyance he just doesn’t give up. Finally his father asks him to stop. Innocently, the boy explains his compulsion – “Ki karaan! Petrol khatam hi nahin honda!” viz. – “Can’t help it! It just doesn’t run out of petrol!”

This popular ad of the Indian small car was brought to my memory during the recently concluded India – Australia series. Akin to the mileage efficiency of the vehicle the Australian team didn’t seem to run out of replacement players. Ten key players of the touring squad were injured at different times, and were replaced by younger players who took up positions with ease and performed well. The extra mileage gave Maruti a monopoly in the small car market that has been unmatched so far. And, the Australian team still maintains its number one ranking despite close competitions.

How do they do it?

Australia’s bench strength was the most discussed topic during the radio talk-shows for this series. I questioned several cricket experts about what goes into making Australia’s legion. What follows is the outcome of insights shared by the analysts whom I interviewed.

Almost everyone attributed it to the strength of Australian domestic competitions. These matches are played under conditions and expectations that are at par with international cricket. Their interstate premier tournaments Sheffield Shield, Ford Ranger Cup, and KFC Twenty20 Big Bash are expected to be as challenging as playing for their country. The Australian summer that lasts for about six months produces a huge pool of players competing for baggy greens. The federal organization that manages cricket in Australia focuses as much at the territory and community levels as it does at the elite level. Contrast this to the Indian scenario where first-class cricket is considered second-grade. I find this ironic considering that playing cricket is a part of growing up in India more than it is in any other country.

Another factor that gives Australia its consistent run is the balance of old guns and young blood in the team. They have been able to maintain such an optimum team composition over the years. Now the injuries during the India tour have proved to be a blessing in disguise for them. Five additional players have been introduced to the playing conditions in the subcontinent. Thereby giving Australia an even bigger pool of players who wouldn’t find it difficult to acclimatize when they come to India for the world cup in 2011.

For now the Australians have gone back home to tend to continuous wins and injuries. And in the closing shot of the Maruti ad, the proud father smiles at his lad, fondly shakes his head and exclaims “Champion!”
This post was published on my blog HOOKed! at Cricket Aakash