Teamwork the Key to Success for Indonesia
Indonesian coach Tim Sparks believes his side has the individual talent available to cause more than a few concerns to the other five teams competing at the ICC East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Trophy in Samoa next month, however says they must combine as a team if they are to reach their full potential.
Coming off the back of a 3rd place finish at the ICC EAP Under 19 Cricket Trophy, Sparks is keen for Indonesia to build on that success at senior level as well.
"We are looking to build ourselves as a team and work together to play the best cricket possible," he said "We feel that we have the talent as individuals to compete with all other countries in the tournament and will be working hard together to achieve success for Indonesia."
The tournament comes at a good time for Indonesia with both the Jakarta and Bali Cricket Leagues reaching the business end of the season in the next few weeks.
"With the seasons nearing completion all players are currently getting a lot of match practice which should prove invaluable once we arrive in Samoa," said Sparks.
In the final weeks of preparation Sparks has guaranteed a significant increase to the intensity of training before the team goes into camp in Jakarta for the final days before departure.
On top of the tough training regime each player has been given an individual fitness program that Sparks says they are expected to complete in their own time.
"We want to ensure that all members of the squad are at their peak fitness level by the time we take the field in Samoa,?" he said.
Despite the strong showing against the four Associate countries including a win over Japan and narrow loss to Fiji at Under 19 level, Sparks knows not to underestimate the unknown abilities of the affiliate countries that will be competing in Samoa.
"Indonesia will not be underestimating any side as it knows too well that any team who turns up with the right attitude will be hard to beat."
Indonesia's first match will be against the Philippines on 4 April.