Cricketers urge people to play forward defence against Covid-19
dubai — As the global coronavirus pandemic continues, some of the top international cricketers from around the world have come together to send out an important message on staying safe, but with a cricket analogy.
The video, produced by the International Cricket Council (ICC), features England’s Chris Woakes, Indian women’s ODI captain Mithali Raj, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi, Pakistan all-rounder Nida Dar, New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi and Katey Martin.
In the two-minute-and-19-second clip, the cricketers urge people to protect themselves and the benefits of personal hygiene.
The video blends each of the cricketers saying a sentence as the frames move on to the next individual.
“Cricket is not always about hitting boundaries and clearing the ropes,” says allrounder Woakes.
Mithali Raj, the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, comes on and says: “There are times when even the greatest players in the world are required to protect their wicket.”
South African bowler Ngidi said that the virus is much bigger than a bowler hurling the ball at top speed.
“This time it is not a 90 miles per hour bowlers steaming in. Instead it is a disease,” says Ngidi.
Nida Dar follows and says: “We need all the determination, discipline and teamwork to block Covid-19 out.”
Leg-spinner Sodhi affirms that we will ride this out together. “The cricket world stands as one and together, we will succeed,” Sodhi says.
His compatriot in the women’s team Katey Martin says that shot selection is paramount.
“In order to protect our wicket, we need a good forward defence,” says the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Mithali returns to the frame and advises five key steps. “There are five things that you need to remember which will help you block Covid-19.”
To which, Woakes continues by saying: “Hands, elbow, face, distance and ground,” to which a shot of former Indian captain MS Dhoni is seen in the nets, playing a back foot defence.
Mithali is back again by saying: “Like any good batter knows, hands are key to success.”
Sodhi says: “So make sure you wash them frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution,” and Woakes adds: Make sure your elbows are bent when you sneeze or cough. If you are using tissues, dispose of them immediately.”
Katey interjects and says: “Face the bowler and not your hands,” to which Shan Masood adds: “And do not touch your nose, your eyes or your mouth.”
Nida Dar is back again and says: “Spread out the field and keep a metre or more away from others.”
Sodhi then says: “And finally, stay in your ground.”
Ngidi then delivers an important message. “Stay at home when isolation is advised. If you develop any symptoms, seek professional advice from a medical professional,” he says. Masood says: “Once we get through this difficult period...” and Woakes adds: “...we can get back to playing our shots.”
And Martin hollers: “And victory will be ours.”
Mithali signs off by saying: “For now, protect your wicket and play that forward defence.”
The ICC video ends with the line: “Stay on the defensive, don’t get caught out.”