Namibia’s cricket captain, Gerhard Erasmus, has expressed concern over the lack of night practice sessions for his team ahead of their T20 World Cup match against India. This significant encounter is set to take place in the evening, yet Namibia was not afforded any opportunities to train under similar conditions.
Disparity in Night Training Opportunities
The Namibian team previously played a day match against the Netherlands, and their subsequent training also occurred during daylight. In stark contrast, the Indian team trained twice under the lights in preparation for this crucial game. Erasmus pointed out the discrepancy, stating, “I don’t know why we haven’t been given a night training before this game.”
- Namibia’s training was entirely during the day.
- India had two night training sessions prior to their match.
- Canada’s team was scheduled for a night training session, highlighting further inequity.
Challenges of Limited Infrastructure
The issue of inadequate practice under lights is compounded by Namibia’s limited cricket infrastructure. Erasmus acknowledged that adjusting to floodlit environments is not common for his players. “We haven’t got any lights in Namibia… it’s probably the challenge for us,” he explained. Only players engaged in international leagues have regular exposure to night conditions.
Preparing for Competition
Namibia heads into this T20 World Cup match seeking redemption after an initial loss to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, India is viewed as a dominant force with the advantage of home support. The upcoming matches against the USA and Pakistan are also scheduled for the afternoon, which presents additional challenges for Namibia in adapting to night play.
Despite these setbacks, Erasmus remains optimistic. He asserted that his team will continue to approach the competition with determination, stating they will compete “the Namibian way, which is to fight.”
