Being in a good team requires you to be a good team member. It's easy to think the best way to do that is by strong individual performances, but you can easily do so much more and contribute to other's games at the same time.

Cricket is a team sport played by solo players. Teamwork is a more subtle area that is easy to overlook. So let's no over-complicate things and get right to the heart of what makes a good team player (who doesn't compromise her own game in the process).

Start by looking left and right.

If you are in the field, you can quickly see things by glancing around. If you are at cover, are point and extra cover in the right place? If they are, could they be somewhere else? How is their body language and can you gee someone up if they are a bit down? And how about the bowler; does he need some simple encouragement or is he the type to listen to a word of well considered advice? (Hint: Don't say "Pitch it up".)

If you have batted (or are not next in) you can look along the bench. It's your job to make sure that the next batter in is ready to go. What can you do to help her feel relaxed and ready?

Recently, I saw a passionate batsman get out controversially and stormed into the changing room. He threw his bat to the ground in anger, but it slipped and went through a window. It was an accident, but it had a negative effect on the rest of the team. There was no way the next player to bat could relax with all that going on, yet with a little more decorum from the smasher, he could have built the middle order up.

It's important not to assume everyone knows the plan. It's easy to lose focus in the stress of waiting to bat, so make sure she is clear on the role she is about to take on. It's also important to talk about other things too. everyone welcomes the distraction of waiting somehow and a bit of banter goes down a treat.

Next, look up.

When you are bowling, are you working as hard for the bowler at the other end as you are for yourself? If it's your role to take wickets because the guy at the other end is keeping the rate down, are you making chances? If a fielder makes an error are you able to realise she didn't do it on purpose and offer words of support rather than admonishments?

With the bat, are you talk each other through the innings in the best way? Some players like to talk about tactics, like identifying weaker fielders. Others prefer to take their mind of batting between overs and chat about anything else. Make sure you know what they like to do and keep them on track as much as yourself. This is especially true if you are the senior player in the partnership.

Last, look around at training.

Chances are there will be someone like you at training, and lot's of people you want to be more like. I have never met a bowler who wouldn't also like to be able to bat as well as the top order. So, buddy up with people. Show someone the benefit of your experience, and get some experience from others. Most of the time this will benefit your game as much as it benefits others.

All this really boils down to creating a positive culture.

That might sound high minded and like corporate speak. in fact, it's simply thinking beyond your own game a little and remembering that all eleven of you are in this together. The more you can help outside of runs, wickets and catches, the better the team culture will become and the more games you will win.