Sports psychologists as quoted in the cricket news by a leading English daily, are of the opinion that there has been a paradigm shift in the game of dominance in international cricket because of India and South Africa’s ‘clarity of vision’ whereas the Aussies by contrast are losing cohesion due to frequent changes. It is thought that the Indian and the Proteas teams are on what is known as a ‘confidence - performance spiral’ wherein the better performers cause a modelling effect on the other players. This improves performance of the team, particular in the crunch moments. It is this ‘spiral’ that causes a player to elevate his performance and play above himself when the situation so demands.

There is the example of Roger Bannister and the four minute mile, a barrier that had remained seemingly inviolable for years. When Bannister broke that barrier, as many as 16 other athletes followed suit! It could not be that each of those athletes suddenly developed the physical power to breach that barrier; what is the perception is that they breached the barriers in their minds; were able to cross the psychological limitation. There is a similar perception in cricket now that the seemingly inviolable top spot suddenly seems accessible to other teams, for whom it had hitherto seemed out of reach.

The sports performance expert John F. Murray, who coined the term ‘Mental Performance Index’, is interested to see the physiological warfare currently underway in international cricket.   In his opinion, Australia, who no longer have the benefit of the services of some of their most iconic players, are "trying too hard and becoming overly aware of their struggles, leading to lower confidence, changes in strategy and an attempt to force things".  

By contrast India and the South Africans are seen as developing a ‘collective aura’. Skipper MS Dhoni is seen as having a clarity of thought and flexible strategies and the players of the team are seen as having ‘champion mentality’ which makes for a bold and aggressive approach. According to Murray, "Winning habits are initiated in the brain. The difference between individual and team sport is actually less than it appears on the surface. Players with the champion mentality can rise above external distractions.”

Aussie Dr. Bob Grove believes Australia are suffering from "paralysis-by-analysis". He is of the opinion that due to a clutch of new player in the Aussie team, the level of personal comfort and group confidence is diminished.

So in conclusion our view is that it will ultimately be the right ‘attitude’ that will win and attain the top spot!

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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