Starting an Innings
HOW TO START BATTING INNINGS IN CRICKET,
START YOUR BEST BATTING INNINGS,
MAKE A GREAT MATCH,
Although every batter in the world is most susceptible at the start of innings, we rarely practice for it. Sir Don Bradman was a master at scoring a single from the first ball he faced. He was keen to get his innings underway. Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis are also very good at starting their innings. They are both quick to pounce on anything overpitched or short, but are very watchful with anything just outside off stump. In fact, the ability to leave the ball pitched in the corridor of uncertainty (just outside off stump on a good length) is a skill in itself that should be practised whenever possible. Another worthwhile strategy for the start of an innings is to play within the V. Play with a relatively straight bat and avoid shots that are square of the wicket. As a general rule, you should always be ready to score runs, whether you are facing the first ball or the 100th ball. The only difference is the mindset you take to the crease. If you are nervous, frightened of failing, or wayward in your thoughts, then you are not ready to start your innings. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with your preparation, confident in your ability, and mentally focused, then you are in the right frame of mind to begin. Often it is best to maintain one key thought as you stride to the wicket. This thought varies from player to player. Some prefer to be conscious of getting right behind the ball, whilst others will remind themselves to get their feet moving. The key is finding the mental cue that suits you. This comes from training and playing as often as you can. Consider a good putter in golf, who stands over the ball, analyses the line, and backs himself to make the putt. When you start your innings, back yourself to play the right shot at the right time. You just might surprise yourself with a very positive start and a long innings.
Seeing Off the New Ball
HOW TO WATCH THE NEW BALL,
HOW TO PLAY NEW BALL IN CRICKET
Former Indian star Sunil Gavaskar maintained that the first hour of a Test match was the bowler’s time, and the rest of the match was his. He worked very hard to maintain his wicket against the moving ball so that he could reap the rewards as his innings unfolded. Of course, such a tactic is more suited to longer forms of the game. In essence, the opener’s role is to ensure that the bowler’s advantage (the new ball) is negated sufficiently in order to set up the innings for the remainder of the team. Naturally, it is hoped that the openers set up their own innings as well. In one-day or Twenty20 cricket, there is little time to worry about the new ball. An opener’s role in these games is not only to dent the effectiveness of the moving ball, but also to ensure the run rate is maintained from the start. All top-order batsmen must be able to turn the strike over with quick singles or to hit to the available outfield space (the option in the first 10 overs of a limited-overs game). When done well, these measures ensure more victories than losses.
0 Comments