As fielding coach for Cricket Australia, what do you see as your greatest achievement; your greatest contribution? My biggest contribution hasn't been achieved yet. I do, though, take some pride in seeing a few ideas we implemented, during my involvement with the Australian team, are now being used by other teams internationally.
I've always said that it's not the wins and losses which count (nobody remembers those) but the legacy of change someone leaves which improves the sport overall - that's important.
I believe you also had a short stint with the Indian national team recently. Your thoughts on that experience...
My time with the Indian national team was TERRIFIC. I loved everything about it. The players embraced my involvement and Gary Kirsten (Head Coach) was OUTSTANDING to work with.
EVERYONE I worked with from EVERY department both on and off field were very engaging and willing to, at least, listen to my perspective on developing potential changes in approach rather than only the traditional viewpoint.....
From over 30 years coaching experience, I can say that, without a doubt, complacency towards initiative, creativity, and innovation is by far the most relevant demon a team or organisation can succumb to. Regardless of structure and / or talent, any team or organisation most definitely is tempting faith if they enter this dark cavern.
What is your role with the IPL defending champions Deccan Chargers and how is it different from your role in ODI and test cricket?
My role with Deccan [Chargers] is the Assistant Coach. My duties are the same as with Australia in that I handle the fielding components of the team’s preparation.
The biggest difference though with the Chargers compared to Australia is that [they] asked more for input into the team’s overall direction rather than only about the fielding components of play.
Do you see any parallels between the two sports? Is fielding in baseball anymore/less challenging than cricket?
There are MANY similarities between the two sports. More than can be mentioned here....and I'm not only referring to fielding. Unfortunately, but understandably, I'm alone on an “island” in this regard simply because I'm the only person in world cricket who has worked at the professional levels of both sports. As such these similarities are distinct to me and easily noticeable.
As far as fielding being more challenging in one sport compared to the other....comparing the two is unfair. Both have requirements special to their needs. I will say this though....I believe slips fielding in cricket may be one of the two or three most difficult MENTAL tasks any sport encompasses. As for the many other factors re fielding in cricket....I'm still puzzled [about] the vast lack of statistics relating to the fielding component of play. To ONLY have catches taken as the traditional, historical fielding statistic seems ridiculous. Presently, there is no historical stat which shows who in history holds the record for the most direct hit runouts - WHY? If we are going to talk about fielding being important in cricket than we must also prove it through tangible means rather than just that....Talk.
Team USA recently competed in the ICC WCL tournament in Nepal and the team catching was very poor...any thoughts/suggestions?
Having not been there, I can honestly say it's unfair for me to make any comment in this regard. There may be various reasons for this having taken place. Without seeing it in person, I can't make a professional evaluation and as such, a recommendation on what is required in order for improvement to take place.
What does the future hold? Perhaps a stint back home?
Simply put, my future holds ONLY cricket. Although I've been asked on a few occasions to rejoin the professional baseball ranks back in the USA, I have no interest. Cricket is my passion and there's no reason I see for this ever changing.
As for your next question....To further my last comment.....my heartfelt passion has been and still is cricket in the USA. If the opportunity comes up to be involved in some capacity within the USACA, I will be very interested. I sincerely believe that my upbringing in the USA (Chicago) and my background in professional baseball puts me in a very unique position both culturally and from a sport’s perspective in order to do so. The future for the USACA can be exceptionally bright but only if the willingness is there from their end to embrace change and accept the challenges (NOT problems as challenges are too often thought of) with a positive and proactive mindset.
Thanks Mike, for taking the time to share some thoughts with On Drive. Best wishes in your future endeavours.
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Posted comments
From a young woman in the 80's to a now mature woman in 2010, I have watched Mike Young from the third base line for Perth Heat and from Bay 13 at "The G". He shows fantastic leadership and second to none respect from his players. A true master at work, who would be an asset to whoever picks him up! Love you Mike xx
Ava Davis
Let's not get swept up in the hype. Young's a BASEBALL player, not a cricket player. He can help on the fielding end but not much else. His real value is someone who can bring baseball players into the game since he's a baseballer who's whole heartedly
"converted" to cricket.
Tim Johnson
Wow! Not only will he bring confidence and discipline in the fielding department but also will take the game to next level. Thanks Sham for interviewing this important personality. USACA certainly needs some of these!! Cheers.
Rajendra Badadare, CA
For me Mike is the man for the job. I like his answer when Sham ask him about suggestion to help the team. The man didnt jump at the question like he know it all.
Marlon, NY
Where is Mr. Lockerbie? Bring this man on board.
Ramesh, Florida
With all due respect to those hard working coaches in the USA at present (volunteers), they are not in the position to take the sport to the next level. This is no fault of their own but, instead, just a lack of professional background and resources.
Spoken like a gentleman. Young have the knowledge, experience, track record to walk the talk.
Str8 Talkr, NY
We have qualify coaches right here in CA who can do the job why not give them a chance?
JrJ, California
USA should hire Mike but I forsee 2 biggggggggg problems
1. US team is bunch of superstars. Obviously Mike is a pro how will he handle the likes of Steve and company? Steve and his pals want a coach who is a buddy not someone who will discipline their asses.
2. Mike works in IPL so the man will come at a price. USACA got money to pay him? They cant pay the coaches they got now.
Name withheld