Italy’s home-based gamers prepare on astroturf because of the absence of grass pitches — or stadiums — within the nation, and any success within the group’s maiden T20 World Cup look might assist enhance amenities and speed up the game’s development again house, assistant coach Kevin O’Brien stated on Monday.
The Azzurri, because the Italian group is popularly recognized, sealed its place within the event in July after advancing by the European Qualifiers, surpassing the likes of Scotland. The 2026 version marks Italy’s first look at a males’s T20 World Cup.
A assured aspect, as O’Brien described it, started its marketing campaign on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium with a 10-run win over Canada in its first warm-up match. The Irishman stated the squad had good preparation in Dubai in January, the place it performed 4 matches — three towards Eire and one towards Namibia.
Italy skipper Wayne Madsen stated that the group administration has ensured the batters have sufficient preparation to cope with the bounce on pure surfaces.
| Photograph Credit score:
R. RAGU
Italy skipper Wayne Madsen stated that the group administration has ensured the batters have sufficient preparation to cope with the bounce on pure surfaces.
| Photograph Credit score:
R. RAGU
For the Italian gamers, these video games had been necessary not solely to construct successful momentum but additionally to regulate to pure soil pitches, versus the higher-bounce astroturf surfaces they’re accustomed to again house.
“This event is all about exposing Italian cricket. Hopefully, folks again house take inspiration from it. The federation has invested lots of time and sources in creating the grassroots recreation. It is going to take time, however this event will hopefully push issues ahead somewhat,” O’Brien stated.
To acclimatise to pure surfaces, some home-based Italian gamers attended a six-week camp in Sri Lanka earlier than becoming a member of the remainder of the squad in Dubai.
“It’s international for our guys and a giant adjustment after we go into tournaments. The fellows primarily based in Italy spent six weeks attempting to know and adapt to the completely different bounce you get,” Italy captain Wayne Madsen stated.
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The 42-year-old Madsen revealed that the squad has additionally introduced a sports activities psychologist on board to assist gamers cope with the strain of enjoying on huge levels.
“Our teaching employees has been actually meticulous with their work. We’ve additionally used a sports activities psychologist in preparation for the strain of enjoying in huge stadiums in entrance of lots of followers. It’s going to be new for many of our gamers. Particularly during the last month, we’ve had a number of discussions across the psychological aspect of issues, each for people and for the group,” he defined.
O’Brien reiterated that the event is a big one for Italian cricket, notably when it comes to visibility and the long-term development of the game within the nation.
“Services in Italy are restricted, however hopefully, because of this event and any success now we have, the recognition of the sport again house will develop, and amenities will enhance, permitting home-based gamers to progress and develop,” O’Brien stated.
Printed on Feb 03, 2026