Basel, 21 March 2026 — the Cricket Switzerland U19 Pathway National Squad gathered at St. Jakobshalle for a high-energy indoor training session that placed a strong emphasis on fielding excellence… and it delivered on every level.
Despite very few unavoidable absences, the majority of the squad turned up, reflecting the commitment and enthusiasm that has become a hallmark of this group. The session was designed to challenge both physically and mentally, and Head Coach Jonty ensured there was no easing into the day.
Raising the Fitness Bar
The now-infamous beep test made a return: this time with an added layer of difficulty. While the increased intensity tested the squad, the players rose to the challenge impressively. Encouragingly, the overall fitness levels continue to trend upward, a testament to the hard work being put in across recent sessions and individually at home.
Fielding: From Theory to Execution
A substantial portion of the day was dedicated to theory and strategy around fielding… often an underrated but match-defining aspect of the game. Players engaged deeply in discussions, analyzing positioning, decision-making, and adaptability under different match scenarios.
This theoretical grounding was immediately translated into practice through a series of intensive drills. Numerous fielding combinations were trialed, each tailored to simulate likely match conditions. The session was dynamic, with constant adjustments and experimentation.
Head Coach Jonty was at the center of it all: designing new setups, actively engaging with player feedback, and, as always, meticulously documenting observations. This collaborative approach continues to foster both individual growth and team cohesion.
Parents were equally involved, testing new de-stressing techniques… and having quite a bit of fun.
A Day of Growth
By the end of the session, one thing was clear: it had been a day rich in learning. Players left not only physically exhausted but mentally sharper, with a deeper understanding of their roles in the field.
Looking Ahead: Italy Tour
Interestingly, the upcoming weekend will see a rare pause in training… despite strong requests from the squad to continue. That enthusiasm bodes well for what lies ahead.
The next major milestone is the tour to Padua over the long Easter weekend, where the squad will face a mix of local and national opposition:
- Friday 3 April – T20 vs local combined XI
- Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April – Two 50-over matches vs Italy U19 XI
- Monday 6 April – T20 vs local combined XI
This tour will be a crucial opportunity to put recent training into action. It will also allow our head coach to experiment with different team configurations in competitive settings: an essential step in squad development.
Excitement is building.
Hopp Schwiiz!!!🏏
