How Afghanistan's experience of playing alongside England demystified their status? Trott explains

In an electrifying turn of events at the World Cup 2023, Afghanistan secured a historic victory against England. Less than 72 hours after their stunning win over the defending champions, Afghanistan will travel to Chennai to play New Zealand. Despite the whirlwind schedule, coach Jonathan Trott emphasised the importance of celebrating their victories, no matter how momentous.

3 things you need to know 

• Trott said that AFG players have benefitted by playing alongside ENG players in franchise leagues 
• Afghanistan beat the defending champions England by 69 runs in Delhi 
• Afghanistan will next face New Zealand on October 18 in Chennai  

ALSO READ: Let it hurt for a bit: Jos Buttler vows resilience after England's stunning lose to Afghanistan

Important to celebrate victories

Before their 69-run triumph over England, Afghanistan had managed to secure just one win in their previous 17 World Cup matches. Their primary objective in the tournament was to qualify for the semi-finals. Trott recognised the need to guard against complacency while simultaneously encouraging his players to savour their success. Drawing from his playing career, he stressed the importance of relishing moments like these.

Trott, while addressing the post-match press conference, stated, "I'm very keen not to put a dampener on things or tell them to focus on the next game. I know from my career and my experience, I never soaked up enough, or enjoyed moments [like these]. 

"I'm certainly going to say to the guys, 'enjoy tonight, spend some time together, whatever you want to do.' As soon as we land in Chennai, in 12-18 hours' time, we switch on for the next game and it's back to business. It's important you celebrate your victories, because they're so hard and they're always such a challenge.

"We've got to move on quite quickly… but I think it's important that the guys enjoy it. But also, [that they] take stock and realise when they get a certain amount of things right in the 50 overs or the 100 overs, what they can achieve and the level of teams that they can put under pressure and compete with and win cricket matches."

Exposure in franchise leagues

The Afghanistan coach added that his players' exposure to England's players in franchise leagues has contributed to their confidence. He pointed out that despite England's status as the world champions, they are just as human as anyone else, and the experience of playing alongside them has demystified their status. Trott stated, "They get to know the ins and outs of each player, so there's that familiarity and also the confidence.

"Sometimes, I think when you see big Test-playing nations, you hold them in high regard. Playing with players like that, you see that they are human, and you are just as entitled to win or do well [as they are]... that's the beauty of the World Cup, isn't it? That's what cricket is about.

"I'm just chuffed with the players. The things that we've spoken about as a side, we've agreed if we get these things right, we can compete with anybody in the world. These guys work incredibly hard. I'm really impressed with them. They will see the rewards, and this will encourage them to kick on even more."

Trott expressed his admiration for the players and their hard work, emphasising that they can compete with any team globally if they get things right. Moreover, he acknowledged the broader significance of Afghanistan's win, considering the recent earthquake that devastated the west of the country, claiming over 1,000 lives and causing widespread destruction. The team wore black armbands in memory of the victims during their match against India, and several players have made substantial donations to relief efforts.

Trott pointed out that the players are aware of the hardships faced by people due to natural disasters and other reasons. He hoped that their victory will bring smiles to people's faces and inspire more boys and girls in Afghanistan to pick up a cricket bat or ball.

"It's not just cricket that the guys are playing for. The guys are very knowledgeable of the things and the hardship that some people are going through because of the natural disaster, and for various other reasons. If this can give a smile to people's faces anywhere in the world, but also encourage boys and girls to pick up a cricket bat or a cricket ball and get playing cricket wherever they are in Afghanistan, then that's the goal that's been achieved," Trott said.