Aussies keep their feet on ground ahead of semi
CRICKET: Australian players sat barefoot in a circle to spiritually connect with the Edgbaston turf they will face England on as their semi-final preparations began by “pouring out their hearts” with World Cup stories.
Coach Justin Langer yesterday instructed all players and staff to remove their socks and shoes for the earthing exercise, which has been used by NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, who is close with Langer, traditionally takes his players on pre-finals camps where they sit around a bonfire to discuss the significance of their September campaigns.
Squad inclusion Pete Handscomb said the 30 minutes of pre-training bonding helped get “a feel for the ground, literally” as every member of the touring party described what lifting the trophy would mean to them.
“You get a feel of the grass on your feet, a bit of grounding, the positive and negative energy flowing through and coming out of the earth,” he said.
“There were some really good stories. It was just an open and honest conversation and it was great that some of the guys poured their heart out there about what it meant to get to the semi-final. It was great to see what playing in the finals means to this group.”
Mitchellmarsh wants to recreate a treasured photo of him and his dad, former Australian coach Geoff Marsh, with the World Cup on the Lord’s balcony 20 years on. Marsh was seven when he and his dad posed with the trophy after the Aussies’ 1999 triumph.
Handscomb recounted how he had played countless mock World Cup semi-finals in his backyard growing up, which was proof he was living the dream this week.
Langer has conducted the exercise at other venues including Hyderabad and Dubai.