5 things the Indian Cricket Team can learn from Pakistan

Pakistan and England concluded an entertaining 4 match series. The end result (2-2) was probably justified given the balance of play. But, for the last few years, India has failed miserably in the old country. What have Pakistan done differently than their fierce rivals? How have Pakistan succeeded where India failed? Here are 5 things the Indian cricket team can learn from Pakistan.

1) Better preparation

One major reason for India’s overseas failure in recent years has been the lack, or sometimes even total absence, of warm up matches. In 2011, India played just one first class match before the series, against Somerset. This was followed by a 2 day match against Northamptonshire. Needless, to say it wasn’t sufficient.

The lesson wasn’t really learnt as later that year, India began their Australian tour with a single tour match under their belt. Once again, India were whitewashed like in England. Things came to a head in South Africa, 2013-14, when India did not play a single practice match before the series.

Pakistan, on the other hand, played two 3 day matches before this series. There was also another 2 day match scheduled in between the second and third test matches.