Bob Woolmer once said (at the ECBCA Conference in 2004) that to fail to plan is to plan to fail. Its not a new concept but its true. All players, especially captains, need to do some preparation beforehand and keep on top of the game once it starts.

Here is how:

1. Set yourself the overriding principles to both win and give as many people a game as possible (even league games).
2. Make sure everyone in consideration has open communication with you, and if selected knows their own responsibilities and roles in the side.
3. Select a side that is as well balanced as possible. 5 bowlers would be ideal.
4. If you cant get an equally balanced side, know your team strengths and play to them.
5. Know the par score for the ground you are playing on (quality of wicket, size of boundaries etc) Make sure your batsmen know the par score and apply the correct pressure to achieve it. In fact, when batting first, prepare your batsmen for you to declare on par score and to get it as quickly as possible. Setting smaller run targets for 10, 20 and 30 overs helps with this.
6. Be aware of the external factors that could have an effect on your players and account for them. Your star bowler may be recovering from a heavy night out.
7. Know the state of mind of your players. Are their nerves? Cliques? Grudges? Hopes? Confidence? Cricket is a game of mind and body, both must be prepared.
8. Find out as much as you can about your opponents strengths and weaknesses and play to them. Talk to local teams who have played them before and see what you can get out of their captain but always take things with a pinch of salt.
9. Examine the wicket. Work out how it is likely to play.
10. Become a weather expert. Study and understand the forecast then plan around it.

Want to be a better captain? Learn from the best with the interactive online course Cricket Captaincy by Mike Brearley.