Cricket Equipment � Training Swapped for Dance

Cricketers seem to be swapping their usual cricket equipment and training in the unlikely world of dance.

The Ashes

The boys may be losing at The Ashes against the Australian team but there's one thing us Brits seem to be better at � even if it isn't cricket. For the second year running, cricketers are swapping their cricket equipment to get into training with the dance professionals.

Cricket equipment and sequins

Last year, beefy bowler Darren Gough swapped his cricket equipment and white trousers for sequins and fake tan and began training with dance coach Karen Hardy. Gough whirled his way across the ballroom and on to win the TV reality show, Strictly Come Dancing. And this year, another successful cricketer, Mark Ramprakash is hot on his heels to win the competition this year.

Bet that you look good on the dance floor

So should the rest of the cricket team swap their cricket equipment and start training with dancing shoes? Judging by the way the Ashes are going this year, some critics may say they might do a lot better on the dance floor than the cricket pitch.

Not surprisingly, athletes are used to intensive training, and have in the past had success in the reality contest - but many are wondering why specifically cricketers are suited to the sequined dance equipment.

Mark's Training

One of the judges on the British version of the show, Arlene Philips, was convinced Mark has the spirit of a dancer inside, despite the fact he had never done any dance training before - unlike cricket, you don't need any equipment apart from your hips and a good sense of rhythm. �You must have been a dancer in another life, and once again you ignited my fire,� Arlene gushed on the reality talent show.

Cricket and dance

Mark Ramprakash's theory is that cricketers don't just rely on their equipment to get them through a game � they are fitter now than they were 15 or 20 years ago thanks to intensive training. Batsmen also work on technique and need good balance � their cricket equipment demands players to think about where their hands and feet are � all aspects that help when it comes to dance training.

Timing and Training

The fact that cricketers make good dancers with the right training isn't surprising when you consider timing and footwork are key to both activities � more important to success than any equipment or costumes.

Sporting chance

Dance teacher Max Ali agreed, he told the BBC: �If you are a great sportsman and good in some sport you play, you can do other sports just as well and dancing is no exception. Emmitt Smith has just won the American version - he is a big guy and a number one American football player.�

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