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Q: If you could make one rule change in any format of the game what would it be?
A: Great chat. Little bit of a radical/random one but perhaps it solves one or two calls above.
Game was designed to have three stumps creating a target for bowlers to dismiss batters. The size of the target has not changed in quite a long time, yet the game has. Conditions have generally improved for batters over the years, "it's a batters' game". Although it must be noted that some observable effort has been made in recent years to get results in First Class cricket via pitch preparation.
Increasing the size of the wickets would in part correct the bat v ball question by prioritising making contact with the bat. It would somewhat address the notion of being hit by the ball and making that fairer for the bowler by the result being more dismissals. (Side note, leg byes are action, the fielder has to field and the batters have to run (run outs are possible) and the scoreboard moves. We need to consider the impact of removing active play from a game that can already be slow moving.
It would naturally shorten games as bat v ball would be more of a premium, it would make the batter play at more balls which creates natural interest in red ball cricket. Consider that every time the bowler delivers a good ball that the batter has to negotiate that potentially brings fielders into play.... the game is more interesting.
I find myself acknowledging this as quite unrealistic as it is just too big a change for people to get their head around but consider the question is, what size would the stumps be if we invented the game of cricket today?
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Q: The very best batters are fearless in their intent and confident in their mindset, talent, and training to score runs.
Even so, I’m sure at some stage of their careers they had their doubts and found runs hard to come by. They might also have experienced some level of FOGO (fear of getting out).
As a conversation starter and to assist others, if you have experienced FOGO, I'd like to know what strategies or plans you've implemented to help you overcome it.
A: Batting successfully is making as many runs as possible while keeping your wicket intact, although today one might argue in T20 cricket the need to keep your wicket intact no longer applies in the same way.
As a youth coach it is our job to get players to explore scoring runs, to strike the ball and to take the fielder on. We all know, however, that this works well for those players with that personality type and not so good for some others.
On numerous occasions players have asked if they should keep playing a particular shot (let's say the cut shot for example's sake). My response was always, well you're going to go out somehow, how often do you go out cutting verses how many runs does the shot make for you? I'm trying to get the batter to understand and accept they will go out most times they bat. But that playing the cut shot may produce a good proportion of the runs they make so they need to accept that occasionally playing the cut shot they will go out. (Of course, they can practice their cut shot and in time reduce the errors they make).
We need to continually reduce the fear of going out by rewarding players who take the game on in the right way. The value is providing an environment where players are encouraged to explore their skills both at training and ultimately in games. Allow them to do this and encourage the exploration rather than bemoaning the failure. Becoming a successful batter is a long-term process, not a quick fix!
Another mantra that we have used successfully is getting the batter to understand the notion of keeping the numbers in their favour. By this we mean that every shot played is a risk. A simple defensive shot using the full face of the bat is less risk than a cross batted slog to the leg side. Playing the defensive shot would be keeping the numbers in your favour. However, it will most likely not score any runs. The improvement in skill comes from learning how to play a safe defensive style shot while still working a single. "Numbers in your favour"
Another layer of this is hitting the ball in the air. Perhaps a bowler is making it very difficult to score with a tight ring field. The batter needs to score and can use the "keeping the numbers in my favour" mantra. A solution may be to hit the ball back over the bowler's head, which allows a bat swing using the full-face through the line of the ball. Numbers in your favour.
As coaches, mentors, parents we need to help the players explore, experiment and learn in the full knowledge that it will be messy and include lots of failure. If those around the player embrace the failure as learning and being one step closure to success, the player will have a better chance in a world with no certainty.
Have a go, reflect on what happened - have another go. Enjoy!
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Q: Hello, I’m 19 and want to play grade cricket in Brisbane next season.
I’m a top order bat and would like to ask about players mindsets when they go out to bat. Do you have a plan to get to 10 or 20 and what’s your process in building an innings. Thanks.
A: Hi Jordan, David has summed the situation up very well in my opinion. A couple of thoughts you may consider.
Some players are naturally more aggressive than others, and in my experience, you need to work with your style to establish the way you go about building an innings. Naturally aggressive players who over emphasise defence often come unstuck. Defensive players who over emphasize attack, often make an early mistake. The question is what is your natural rhythm? Work around that. If you feel comfortable mentally, you will more than likely make better decisions and reactions to the deliveries.
No 1 - always bat with the intention of hitting the ball. If your mindset is to hit the ball, you will be in position to let it go if you choose, on the other hand if your mindset is to leave the ball, you can find yourself in a position where you need to play the ball but are not well prepared to do so.
No 2 - understand and practice which balls you will play aggressively at early. You may decide that short wide deliveries get left early in your innings, while full balls on your pads get hit. Be decisive about this and own the outcome. Too many batters come off having played a shot and then sit and ponder why they did. Own the plan, practice the plan and own the decision. You will make mistakes, but this doesn't mean it is wrong. Jake Fraser McGurk is a very exciting player who is still learning about what shots he can play, and which shots cause consistent mistakes. He does own the outcomes though.
No 3 - I love David's point about being up the other end. I couldn't agree more, and you need to develop the skills required to be able to do this. Get less caught up in technique and more focused on getting the ball into a spot that creates enough time for you and your partner to run a single. If you practice the intention, it comes more easily in a game.
Good luck, hope you have a fantastic time of it.
Jordan Fletcher
7 months ago
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Q: My son is 14 and wants to be a young fast bowler. He seems to bowl quicker than most his age but has difficulty with his run up.
I don’t know much about cricket, but he accelerates quickly at the start of his run up, and I think he starts to lose momentum as he gets into his bowling action.
Can I ask for some advice on how long his run up should be and where in his run up should he be accelerating?
A: Hi Will, they say the run up is to a fast bowler, what tyres are to a racing car. Without good tyres/run up, you can't go fast.
I would use the same process as John suggests above. I would also consider (if the environment is safe) to do this with eyes shut so the player can feel the running and the momentum they are building rather than focussing visually on an end point.
Another observation some experienced bowling coaches have made is the run up is about getting up to speed, establishing balance and then the delivery stride. As John pints out above, many bowlers run further than they need to.
1. Run to establish speed (good striding but not sprinting)
2. As soon as speed is there, think/establish balance (which may appear as a slight slow down but not always)
3. Jump straight, bowl straight
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Q: Looking for some advice.
In one day cricket predominantly and against the spinners I’ve been having trouble beating the box fielder at mid wicket. I’ve not been timing being the ball well enough to get passed them or when I use my feet I’m struggling to get to the pitch of the ball and can’t generate any power in the shot.
Any tips on how to improve the shit because I see the good players do it so well and limit the number of dot balls.
A: As with most challenges there are multi options to try here, but no guarantees. The beauty of sport!
We can play a spinner with a vertical or a horizontal bat. (Cross bat may come off occasionally haha) It maybe that if you are able to develop enough skill with the sweep and paddle so you can tick the scoreboard over using those shots.
I agree with Jason (above), be sure to develop your skill off the back foot as well making it harder for the spinner to hit the length they desire, which increases your scoring options.
Without seeing you play it is dangerous to look into the way you hit the ball, but contact point is obviously very important for working the ball through the leg side. If you are able to get your torso well over the ball at contact, you will be in a good position to strike the ball well. If your current strike position is sitting back a bit you will struggle to hit the ball crisply in this area. Try putting a rope on the ground about a metre away from your stance and have balls fed towards your legs. Lean well forward over your base of support and attempt to hit the balls as hard as you can into the ground before the rope towards the mid-wicket area. Worth a try, it has helped some players I have worked with.
As always, good luck and as Jason said - practice and persist :)
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Q: Apart from trying to hit the ball harder how do I get more power in my batting to hit the ball through the field. I’m 17 and wanting to play grade cricket this season.
A: Hi Leo, in simple terms the bat is an implement that applies a force to the ball. The size of the bat x the speed it is travelling when it strikes the ball impact how far and fast the ball travels. It sounds easy to get a bigger bat or swing the bat faster, and both of those will work if you can do it and still bat successfully. Many batters find a heavier bat impedes their bat swing and balance.
While strength and power from increased muscle strength/mass can help here and that is a part of what the successful short form players do, you may be well served by working on your timing. By timing, I am referring to the hitting the ball in the centre of the bat (sweet spot or percussion point) and doing so while having the bat speed at its optimum. i.e., speeding up into the hit.
If you swing the bat faster but don't time the ball, you will minimise the gain. If you swing the bat with balance and hit the ball in the middle with the bat accelerating into the ball, you will get plenty out of it. Dan Hughes from NSW is particularly good at this. Not a big bat lift and not necessarily a big follow through, but plenty of speed off the bat.
The suggestion is to work on your balance as much as possible and give yourself feedback for how well you are hitting the ball through timing rather than force. Measure the 'feeling off the bat' rather than how far the ball goes. Naturally the better the contact the further it will go over time. As you improve, include zones to hit the ball so you can also find the gaps with the power and ball speed you are generating.
There are a number of things to try, this is just one suggestion that may help your batting into the future.
Good luck with it, and don't forget to eat your greens.
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Q: What’s the best way to determine the right cricket bat for my son. He is 16 and plays junior reps senior club cricket.
He’s around 165cm and probably due for a growth spurt in the next 18 months.
Also, a friend mentioned due to his height should we look to get a bat with a sweet spot towards the lower end of the bat. Is that correct?
A: Hi Damian, bat selection can be quite personal and to suggest there is one answer would be dangerous.
Pick Up or back lift = the player needs to be able to pick the bat up (back lift) and feel in control. Some bats 'pick up' better than other bats even though they are the same weight. Try a number of bats and get the feel of this. If the player can consciously feel the bat weight when picking it up, it is a sign the bat is either too heavy or not right for them.
Weight = the weight of the bat should allow the player to be successful in the cricket they are playing / aspiring to play. A lighter bat will be easier to use and manipulate, (particular reference to fast and short pitched bowling), a heavier bat if swung with speed will produce more power. My experience is too many younger players go for bat weight/mass at the expense of bat control and pay the price. You won't know the full weight you can handle until you are a mature adult.
Handle length = personal choice and depends on the grip(s) the player employs. Gilchrist held right up the top, while Beth Mooney holds right down the bottom. Both incredible cricketers. A shorter handle is more often chosen these days, but that doesn't make it right for everyone.
Durability = bats are expensive, so I can't advise you on the quality or cost. I would suggest a senior size bat to guarantee the longest life possible for use. If your son is 165 and heading up it would appear a senior size bat would be appropriate. Try and see how they feel.
Sweet spot = the lower sweet spot is generally associated with slower and lower bouncing turf wickets. They are more often seen overseas than in Australia. Having said that, these things are personal. Personally, I wouldn't go for a bat with a lower sweet spot in Australia for what it's worth.
Have fun, a new bat is an awesome time for a young player. Enjoy.
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Q: My son is 15 and bowls off spin and we’d like to ask about the difference between bowling overspin or side spin. He bowls more side spin now but as he gets taller the coaches are saying he needs to bowl more overspin.
Can you help about the benefits of both?
A: Hi Michael, a lot of the narrative is generated by considering what happens in international cricket. We need to consider the local conditions of course, but the connection is usually made as all aspiring young bowlers have eyes to representing Australia.
We can simplify this by considering what angle the seam is presented at as the ball moves towards the batter. If we say pure sidespin is 90 degrees and pure top spin is 0 degress, then it is generally accepted in Australian conditions (i.e., bouncier but less turning wickets), the general guide is to aim for 45 degrees. 45 degrees gives you the opportunity to impart spin on the ball that can allow the ball to drift or move through the air as well as the top spinning element contributing to what is called drop and then bounce. It also creates the opportunity for some sideways movement.
In sub-continent conditions they tend to aim for a bigger angle towards 90 degrees because the wickets don't usually have the same element of bounce. The 90 degrees seam angle reduces top spin and bounce but increases the variation of the ball moving sideways meaning it is less predictable for the batter. Some deliveries turn sideways a lot while others (if the bowler is clever hit the leather part of the ball) don't deviate at all.
This allows the spinner to aim to beat both sides of the bat, making them difficult to face.
Rangana Herath the Sri Lankan left arm off spinner took 433 test wickets bowling side spinners but many of his wickets were the ball that went straight on for bowled or LBW. Nathan Lyon on the other hand has been successful employing a lot of top spin as part of his bowling - generating wickets in a variety of ways by getting the batter to miss read the flight and bounce of the ball resulting in a false shot.
Keep investigating and listening.
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Q: My son is a 14-year-old wicket keeper, and he was asking questions about the Bairstow stumping. He said he’s tried it before and that it happens a lot in junior cricket.
He wants to know if he should do it or not. What advice can I offer him?
A: Hi Adrian, just my opinion, but I think Bairstow is the one that made the error. He may well be a Test player, but the rule has always been and never argued in my 52 years in the game, that the batter has to be in their crease when the ball is live. If it were my son, and I have two who have kept wickets, I would have been very supportive of their actions had they done what Carey did and would continue to be going forward.
What I wouldn't be as comfortable with was if they had taken the ball - made out it was over then thrown it as the stumps. Carey took the ball and threw it immediately. No hesitation. Bairstow is within his rights to think he was behaving as if it was the end of the over, but his role is to bat and the umpire's role is to call over. He got that the wrong way around.
As I said, just my opinion. Cheers.
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Q: I only remember Australian batters like Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and Michael Clarke all walking off the field relatively quickly after they'd been dismissed.
Of course, they'd have been disappointed and frustrated at not being able to score more runs. It was their job and what they trained so hard to do.
But for whatever reason, they made a mistake, received a good ball, got mixed up on a silly run out or were on the wrong end of a dubious decision; that's cricket. It's part of the game.
What is also part of the game is when your turn to bat has ended, walk off the field quickly as it's now an opportunity for your team mate to take strike and score runs.
This may sound a little obscure, but my reasoning stems from observing the 'slow walk-off' from a couple of the Australian batters after they've been dismissed.
Are they any more disappointed and frustrated than their predecessors? I doubt it.
Hopefully, the 'slow walk off' doesn't become the norm for men, women, boys, and girls in state, premier, club, community, and junior cricket.
As a good mate used to share with the batter who'd just been dismissed, "off you pop."
A: Couldn't agree more Paul, well said.
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Q: I play in the 2nd XI at school and last season we had a poor season and now struggling to get several of the players motivated for next season.
We had 19 players with so many players pulling out of games and we dropped something like 40 catches.
What advice can you offer to help as many of us will be moving up into the firsts and still very passionate for the team and the school to be better.
A: Hi Matthew, yes always a tricky situation when the team is struggling to compete. Often, we only measure our performance against the opposition, when indeed cricket offers us the opportunity to develop and improve on a number of parameters. Here are a couple of ideas to consider.
1. Make the team about more than just playing the game. For example, you might decide to raise some funds or create some awareness around a charity or cause. Perhaps something the school is already connected to! By making your training, play, and environment about something bigger than you, you will certainly achieve a great deal more than just the cricket. Perhaps you can have specific shirts made or logos attached. get the parents involved and get the school involved.
2. Set your own standard for what a gold medal performance looks like. Perhaps it will be making more runs off the bat, taking more wickets on average per game or even holding a higher percentage of catches. This will inform how you prepare, and preparation is (as we know) critical to performance in games. By having a focus on scoring more runs you can practice the elements of scoring runs with a focus on the areas you can achieve. Perhaps RBWickets, or even hitting lose balls to the boundary. In short, make it about more than the result.
3. Make game day as much fun as you can. Introduce something fun in the time before the game starts or the after match debrief. Have music or other activities that inform the mood.
4. Perhaps introduce an imaginary 12th player who can fill many roles, for example backing up in the field, supporting teammates, running drinks and providing humour. I've seen this work before and the team even came up with a name and an award for the 12th player. Our team called him Alfred and it was quite an honour to be nominated as the best Alfred for the game.
Above all, continue to believe and be positive yourself. People will follow leaders and leaders need to set the tone with a positive and can-do attitude. Just make sure the can-do is appropriate for your squad so others can also believe. Good luck. A chance to really achieve something unique & special.
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Q: I’m the coach of an under 16 school team and would like to get some advice about the best way to break down the team chasing say 100 runs to win a one-day game with 15 overs to go in the innings. The players seem to get caught wanting to play big shots and we often fall 30 or 40 runs short. Any help would be great
A: Totally agree with Jody.
Just add a concept that has shown some success in our school cricket.
We need 9 runs off one over. What is the best way to do it? Without a plan or being experienced enough to recognise the moment, the batter will probably try to slog. (school cricket)
We have a mantra that practice - hitting the ball well. If I hit six balls well in an over, (i.e., where they should be hit but with real purpose and intent to score) I have my best chance of scoring off each ball, best chance of hitting a multiple and indeed my best chance of hitting a boundary.
We practice trusting the process. Sometimes you may be one run off three balls and panic. You need to stay with the process. If you need 8 runs off 3 balls, your best chance is to hit the 3 balls as well as you can.
There is almost always a better result when the batter strikes the ball well, out of the middle and towards the area of the field where that ball could be struck well.
The rider is that if the bowler happens to hit their target with a perfect yorker or the like, you were probably not hitting that ball with a slog anyway. "The opposition is allowed to bowl well"
Hope this makes sense and helps. It has been good for our players.
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Q: We live remotely and my 12 daughter wants to learn about cricket and how to bowl.
There’s not much cricket close by and we look at youtube videos but I’d like to ask if she should be looking at the stumps when she bowls or an area on the pitch. When she looks at the stump the ball bounces twice before it gets to the wicket. She is quite small. We’d appreciate some advice.
A: Hi Terri, the truth is various bowlers have had success using different methods. Some watch the stumps; others watch a place on the pitch and others still use more peripheral vision and feel to align their bowling.
It is quite difficult to run and look at one exact spot, so early on I would encourage your daughter bowl more with feel.
Have a target an appropriate distance away. (This might be anywhere from 8-16 meters / most certainly not any longer). The actual distance is only important in that your daughter feels like she can easily get the ball there with one bounce.
Next place a big target on the ground, I use a painting drop cloth which is 1.5m x 3m. A big piece of cardboard, or a blanket, anything that you can make smaller as she improves.
Place the target on the ground up near the stumps and have her bowl off one or two steps with a view to landing the ball on the target. When she starts to have success with this you can do two things-
1. Increase the run up to provide more momentum
2. Decrease the target to increase the challenge
While your daughter is doing this have her experiment with
a) watching the stumps,
b) watching the target on the ground,
c) and most importantly bowling with her eyes closed. This makes her brain have to work out what it feels like to bowl the ball the correct length.
Note as a bowler we do decide what length we want to bowl but then our hand eye does the rest. It is true that some grips assist various length and some exaggerated body actions help with length as well. Most bowlers feel a yorker is best held more in the ends of the fingers and a bouncer is best delivered with maximum energy and pull down.
Good luck and remember persistence is your greatest friend.
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Q: What's the ideal dynamic between a captain and a coach in club cricket?
A: A possible model for Adult cricket. Food for thought.
The coach has the role of planning and facilitating the preparation of the players, the Captain, and the teams for the match (s).
The match is the showcase of that preparation.
On game day think more observation, recording of what happened, and minimal emotional output and an eye to the next phase of training and preparation.
The Captain has the role of leading the team and making the fundamental decisions around how the team plays on the day. On game day think more competitive energy and direct communication with emotional control.
The combination and relationship of the Captain and Coach provides the stability, predictability and confidence for the team. This dynamic (which is variable, as indicated above) is where the opportunity exists to grow, perform and enjoy the environment. Clarity with the group/team around the role of the coach at training / or matches verses the role of the captain is critical. Then they must stick to their role in that environment.
Game day - Coach
* Be heavily involved in the warmup and prep before the game. Service players need to get ready to play.
* If your team has a particular game plan, observe and record performance against that game plan.
* Let the Captain or other players do the talking - remember they are out there on field and you are not.
* Connect with the Captain at major breaks and ask how they are going..... (don't tell)
* Don't walk incessant laps of the ground displaying your intensity or anxiety about what is happening in the middle. By all means do a lap but do it in a relaxed manner, smelling the roses so to speak.
* Don't just talk after the game for the sake of it. The debrief can be done in lots of ways and players are usually less responsive immediately following a game than you think.
Remember that straight after a game you (may) have all this pent-up energy that they do not.
The Captain can only lead and be in charge if the coach supports them in playing this role.
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Q: How often should a junior (let’s say 11-14) practice their skills during the week?
A: Hi Dave, I have two sons that still play cricket at 26 and 28 years of age.
During those years (11-14) they had a lot of energy for the game and for sport in general. I was concerned that doing too much deliberate practice at that age, might have a negative impact as they grew older. There is a known correlation between the type of practice young people do and them staying in the game when things inevitably get-tough if they are trying to progress through the pathway. No point doing thousands of hours of boring deliberate practice at 12 and then giving the game away at 17 because you didn't get selected in the side you wanted to! Seen that happen a few times.
My rule of thumb was they had to ask to practice cricket or initiate it by themselves. If they truly want to be really good, they will let you know.
In fairness we had a pitch in the backyard so the boys' played lots of games; I was always keen for it to be games and competitions, not so much deliberate practice.
The point of having skill is being able to use it when it counts, ... i.e., competition on the field. So the games can be established to create skill under pressure. One example of games we played was serving tennis balls at them. It was outside the box (therefore different a bit of fun) and the ball came quickly. They had to protect their stumps and not snick the ball. Every successful attempt scored a run. Every time they went out, they had to swap over. We did this many times but like all activities it had a life span. We then found other ways to play and compete.
Play other sports and create other opportunities. The boys knew that every time they played sport or were active they were getting better and developing their skills and problem solving.
My lived experience is only one version and no doubt you can consider others' ideas. For us it was make it fun, make it game orientated, let them ask for it rather than me setting the schedule. The more play they do the better, the more deliberate practice they do,... buyer beware. By all means some, but not all the time.
Most importantly, you know your child better than anyone, so no doubt there are many other factors to consider when working through this. Good luck and best wishes with it.
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Q: In relation to the Mankad issue and its increased regularity especially in T20 cricket.
Bowlers are penalised for going 1mm over the crease for a no ball and it cost the team one run plus a free hit which could mean the penalty is 7 runs if the free hit is hit for 6. Bowlers are also penalised if they’re stray outside the markers and the ball is called a wide and it could also cost their team 7 runs if the additional bowl is hit for 6. That’s all fine because it’s in the rules.
The Mankad is in the rules but it’s not a good look and creates tension amongst the players so with all the technology involved in the game what if a penalty is introduced to the batting team if the batter leaves the crease before the ball is bowled.
The technology and penalty take the pressure off the bowlers and the umpires and like the bowler’s penalties means the batters have to stick to the rules of the game.
Is 2 or 3 runs too much of a penalty, keen to get your thoughts.
A: Before starting I don't disagree with what everyone has said above. The only thing I would consider is the need to avoid additional umpires involved or interpretation from a third umpire. This can be done in the High-Performance environment, but it creates a gap between Professional cricket and Park cricket. Park cricketers need to see this being easily officiated, and with only one possible interpretation, not only on TV but in their own games to ensure they don't end up miss behaving. (And we know how real that can be).
Cricket has elements that don't make sense. For one, a fielder who claimed a half volley catch was considered a very ordinary human, but a batter who nicked one to the keeper and stands their ground was just playing the game. (When you think about it, they are effectively the same thing). Put this up for interpretation in front of a non-cricketer QC to rule on and I believe there is no way in the world they are going to sign off on it. I hear you say but what about the swings and roundabouts theory of walking or not walking, yes, I used that myself, but the fact is I was knowingly and willingly disregarding the rules. I was also the bloke who was filthy when someone claimed a catch. You can't have it both ways.
Historically running a batter out from the non-strikers end was not a good look and against the spirit of the game. The game was played differently years ago, not only in competitive spirit, but it was far less professional as we know. As time has passed, the players have sought every advantage in the way they bowl, bat, field, and other. To not take advantage of running between the wickets would be silly and through short form cricket we have seen the batter effectively take liberties that were not taken (at least so obviously) when the Vinoo Mankad ran out Bill Brown in 1947.
For mine, the bowler does not get a warning about bowling a no-ball, nor should the batter about leaving their ground. All sports have to change their rules when the players flaunt a loophole, and this is what has happened in cricket. We all make a fuss when the vision shows the batter was not really trying to take advantage - but to prevent those who willingly take advantage the interpretation and acceptance should change.
We used to be able to leave our car unlocked and let our kids play cricket in the street, heavens above we used to be able to buy things with cash. The world has changed and so too should our interpretation of the run out at the non-strikers end.
So, after all that and bless you if you are still reading, I would say the most effective way to move forward is simply put all the pressure on the batter to be in their crease. The penalty - you are out. If enough batters get run out, we will quickly adjust and learn how to stay in our crease.
No need for an extra official, can be done in local cricket as well as on TV. Same as baseball, by all means sneak off base but don't get caught or you will be out.
I do also worry about the influence of what we see on TV verses what we expect in park cricket. The low catch interpretation on TV is now seeing more batters stand their ground in the parks which is not a good look nor the way we used to play!
(Just an opinion)
Wayne Holdsworth
last year
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Q: My son is 12 and his hands are wide apart when he grips the bat. He’s a left hander and it looks awkward and I want to help but don’t have any real idea.
Is there some advice I can get to help him?
A: Hi Chris,
If you download the CA Coach App and go to Insiders Tips (Batting) you will find a few videos on the various batting grips. While the advice from Dean is perfect, different elite players do grip the bat differently and it is eventually worth understanding the strengths and weakness of the various grips the better players use.
Lots of other good stuff in the App as well. Enjoy
Chris Greenfield
last year
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Q: I’m 16 and want to ask how do you know if you should be playing a cut shot or a back foot drive?
A: Hi Will,
Phil has nailed the two shots above. I'd encourage you as 16 year old to set up some practice to improve your play with both. Lot's of cricketers can throw their hands and bat through a cut shot and make contact to some affect, not so many can stand tall and balanced and hit a back foot drive through the off side for runs. As Phil says make sure your back foot drives are balls that are tight and allow a balanced more vertical bat swing and, that are not too short and bouncing above where you can swing the middle of your bat. i.e. just above stump high.
Good luck, hope you have fun exploring and improving your game.
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Q: What’s the best way for a teenage fast bowler to work out how long their run up should be?
A: One way to consider is:
a) find an open safe space with no potholes.
b) Get the bowler to practice running with their eyes shut.
c) When comfortable, get them to run and bowl a ball with their eyes closed - simple instruction, run, get balance, bowl when ready. | NB actually release the ball!
d) Repeat and measure from run up start to front foot landing until consistency is found.
e) Step out walking normally. (We all have a normal gait that is very repeatable, so should be quite accurate - obviously a measuring tape is more accurate).
May take a couple of tries but it gets the bowler to trust that what they are doing as 100% natural and therefore repeatable.
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Q: What's the best way to know if a cricket bat is the right one for you?
A: Hi Harry, point number 1, do you look at it and like what you see? if you have a visual connection with the bat it helps. Secondly you need a bat that is the right weight. The heavier the bat is the further the ball flys off it (as long as you can swing it at speed). The lighter the bat the more control you have as well as being able to swing it quickly. The weight ratio is a preference for you and can depend on a number of things including the type of wicket you are playing on. As a rule of thumb, the faster and bouncier the bowling the lighter the bat to allow for easier cross bat play. The lower and slower the wicket and bowling, the heavier the bat as you tend to play straighter down the ground. Of course, these are only generalisations.
Having said that your own physique and strength play a key role as well.
Absolutely pick the bat up and shadow bat with it to get a feel for what we call the pickup. The pickup is the feel you get when lifting the bat from the bat tap to the highest part of the back lift. If it feels good, it is a good sign this bat might be for you. If it feels heavy or light in the pickup, that is a sign this bat might not be for you.
Lastly look at the face of the bat and review the wood. There are a number of ways to make a call, density of grain, or some people like knots as they are quite hard.
Hope this helps.
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Q: I have a son who is a keen wicket keeper and when he is up to the stumps to the spinners he struggles when the ball goes down the leg side. Is there any technical advice someone can provide and some drills I could help him with?
A: Hi Tim, the first thing he needs to do is watch the ball until it bounces so he can get as much information about where it is going as possible. Until it bounces, he won't know the angle or how much it turns etc so if he moves too early, he will get blinded by the batter and be guessing as to where to put his hands. There are a number of ways to do this but a simple one is to hold a pool noodle or floppy stump over him when he is down in his power potion. Tap him lightly on the back and encourage him to stay low the whole time and only move after the ball bounces. Do this with no batter and when he starts to improve then include the distraction of a chair or other object or a batter if you have that person.
Obviously, a low powerful movement sideways is critical as well. The keepers head should stay on the same level and not be bobbing up and down. There are videos on this in the CA Coaches App in the Insiders Tip section. You can download it for free.
Good luck. Enjoy
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Q: I’m opening the batting next game for the first time. I’m not sure but I think I’d like to face the first ball and want to ask if people think there’s a benefit to facing the first ball?
A: Agree with others comments here. No doubt the longer you bat the easier it should get, but your first ball is the first ball no matter when you face it. Apart from the first ball of the game, usually all other batters face the first ball after a wicket when a bowler has just taken a wicket and potentially is full of confidence. Take the first one and make sure you look to hit it first and then let it go if it doesn't need to be hit.
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Q: As Aaron Finch calls stumps on his outstanding international career who do cricket fans believe should be the next Australian T20 Cricket Captain?
A: There will be a lot of cricket intelligence in the team, so I'd go for the person most respected by the playing group, to manage the stuff that needs to be managed and to respond in the way that leads and gets the job done under pressure. That could be Turner, Carey or Maxwell or other. but I want to know the absolute lay of the land from the playing group on who they would follow.
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Q: How important is the relationship between a spinner and their wicket keeper?
A: Any time a wicket keeper keeps up to the stumps to a bowler it changes the nature of their partnership. The advantage being sought is that the keeper is one step ahead of the batter in knowing what the bowler is trying to achieve. This not only includes the style of spinner they are and how they are trying to beat either side of the bat, but pace, potential leg side stumpings and bringing LBW into play. The more work they can do together the better.
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Q: What's the best cricket shot to learn to play well?
A: Love the different perspectives we all have. The shot I place the highest regard for is being able to the hit the ball on the ground at will between the bowler and square leg. If you can do this, you will be balanced (head in a good position relative to your feet; you will be able to access the ball (upper body over the ball to hit it on the ground); you will have bat face control (take the ball off a straight line and direct it into a gap); you will have a confidence of the ball being bowled at you; you will be well resourced to protect your stumps; you will likely cause bowlers to bowl outside the stumps on the off side creating more balls to leave if you wish or to free your arms to hit the ball; you will require a 5/4 field ensuring more gaps on both sides of the wicket to score. While there is no right or wrong answer here, this was the ability I hated bowling to the most.
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Q: Can you remember how you first fell in love with cricket?
A: Grew up in Deniliquin, a country town in southern NSW and played junior cricket in the morning and senior tennis in the afternoon until I was 16. Confronted by having to make the choice I went with the family favourite of cricket. Dad and brothers were playing, Mum was on the Ladies Committee. I think the real love of the game was playing backyard cricket with my brothers. I was lucky enough to play a couple of hundred games of senior cricket with one of those brothers. It is probably still the number one thing that keeps us connected.
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