Cricket Captains. During the next few weeks Schools That Rock will be chatting to 1st team cricket captains from schools across South Africa. Our ninth ball is bowled at Nazien Adams, 1st team cricket captain of Northern Cape High School in Kimberley.
“I started playing cricket at the tender age of 5 and started playing bakers mini cricket. The reason Ilike cricket, is because cricket does not only offer physical health benefits. It promotes team skills, social skills, co-operation, communication and learning how to cope with good and bad outcomes. It is also a good platform for social interaction and to meet new people.
My first experience on the cricket field, I can remember, is that I was definitely very nervous. But as the game progressed, I became more settled and confident in the task at hand.
First captaincy in 2019
In 2019 I was appointed cricket captain for the first time at my school NCH. In the same year I was appointed cricket captain for the provincial under 15A team. I would say that I was actually very privileged to be a part of a great disciplined team so it was fairly easy for me to conform and take the roll of team captain. What also counts in my favour is the fact that we play well together. We know and understand each other’s strong points. I also have the ability to deal well with adversity and we work towards a common goal as a team. Another factor worth mentioning is that the team have a good relationship. This assisted me in taking the lead where it was necessary.
A good cricket player should definitely be disciplined first and foremost. He should be someone who is capable of leading by example. Futhermore he should be athletic and have stamina and endurance on the field. A good cricket player should also be confident but nog arrogant. Overall he should be a good team player.
I would say that the biggest task of a cricket captain on and off the field is to have a good understanding of the game and be able to read the match as it progresses. He should ensure a good vibe amongst the players at all times and also maintain focus and discipline at all times. A captain should also be able to deal with adversities directed at the team.
At school our 1st cricket team attend 4 training sessions in a week from Monday through to Thursday.
Key to success
My key to success on the cricket field is that you should be willing to learn, always strive towards improvement and always be open minded in this sport. You also have to always give your best at all times and believe in yourself and your capabilities.
I definitely consider AB de Villiers as my model cricketer and my inspiration for playing cricket. The reason for that is he was named as the ICC ODI player of the year three times during his 15 year international career and was one of the five Wisden cricketers of the decade.
What inspired me to give my best every day and with every game, is my urge to be a part of the Protea squad. It drives me and encourages me to give my best at all times. Being able to lead a team is also very rewarding, I would say, because at the end of the day, its team work that really determines the end result.
I prefer batting over bowling. Batting is easier compared to bowling and for me it comes naturally. I do not have to over think it too much. All I need to do is focus on the ball and make sure that my timing is perfect with each swing. My favourite batting shot is cover drive. Should you ask me who I consider the best bowler our team played against, I would say that it is actually hard to pinpoint one particular bowler. What I can say is that there are bowlers that pose serious challenges!
Most memorable match
My most memorable match played, was the curtain raiser to the T20 National Finals in Pretoria where I was chosen for the Coca Cola All Star Team. At the time I was still very young and was exposed to a very professional setup that was new to me. I was also surrounded by a team full of accomplished cricketers that I took a lot from and still apply in my games to this day.
As cricket captain, I manage stress on the field by blocking out negativity and focus on the task at hand. Off the field I manage stress by attending club cricket and I train at K-fit, Kimberley.
My advice to newcomers is to be confident, but not arrogant. To be dedicated and committed. To be hardworking, disciplined, determined and to listen and be open to learning.
Although I have the deciding factor during difficult times on the field, I still allow my team the platform to share their views on the best way forward. With that being said, it assists me in seeing things from a different perspective and at the end of the day, the team is working together to reach a common goal.
Ontlametse Kesiamang
The person who always surprises me on the field is Ontlametse Kesiamang. He is younger than what I am but he definitely has a big heart. He is fearless and does not back down from a challenge.
Our pre-match ritual is praying before each and every match.
As with every team, our team also has an entertainer – Igsaan Alexander.
Watching cricket on television? Yes I love watching cricket on TV. There are so many different elements that constitute a cricket match like a pitch, atmospheric conditions, bat, ball, outfield, form and confidence of the players, umpires and crowd. All these elements make for great viewing and following of the game. I also try and catch tips and pointers from how the professionals do things.
Future plans
My future cricket plans is that I would like to see myself playing cricket for the Proteas.
What I do in my free time? I am a member of K fit Kimberley which is focused on kettlebell training to assist me in strength and physical fitness. It definitely has a positive and visible effect on my performance on the field and my appearance in general. I also play Club cricket for Burma Lads.
Should I describe myself in one word, it would be – DISCIPLINED. That is my code of behaviour and the reason for that is, I try by all means to avoid distraction. I have created a routine and culture of accountability whereby I participate in certain activities which helps me to treat my body well in order to assist me in building a good foundation for where I would like to be in the near future. I have a goal that I want to achieve and in doing so I need to apply my focus on what is necessary.”
Photo supplied
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