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General Cricket => Your Cricket => Topic started by: Howzat on June 15, 2008, 08:46:43 AM

Title: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Howzat on June 15, 2008, 08:46:43 AM
Just read this on the BBC...great read lol! A correspondant facing 90mph bowling!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/counties/7442668.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/counties/7442668.stm)
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Johnny on June 15, 2008, 09:09:41 AM
good read

not heard of Chris Jordan before - is he english qualified? sounds promising
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: e4sby on June 15, 2008, 09:45:34 AM
i dread to think what it would be like to face something of that pace!  I've faced a bowler clocked at 80mph previous and that was bad enough, would like to face 1 ball outside off stump just to see what reaction time was like!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on June 15, 2008, 01:34:39 PM
It just hems into you how quick bowlers actually  bowl and what we consider quite quick would be easy for pro's.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Johnny on June 15, 2008, 04:05:35 PM
Makes you really take on noard what a big step up it is. I know a guy who plays for Warwickshire. He used to play for our club and was considered a genuine all rounder - he has a 1st XI hundred to his name, and our 1st XI league is a bloody good standard! Anyway, he always bats 10 or jack now and says the bowling is too quick for him. Mind you, he's pushing mid 80's himself!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Liam-SCCC on June 15, 2008, 07:38:42 PM
i faced 79mph on a bowling machine and went for a slog at top edged it for 6, it was in the slot! and had been in the same place for 5/6 balls
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sambo on June 19, 2008, 04:04:27 AM
i faced 130kph. i just worked it thru the slips, or straight intot heir hands i cant quite remember
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Nozza on June 19, 2008, 04:20:20 AM
I have faced 160 before. Dont even bother though!! it is so quick there really is no point in bothering!

Hit one out of 15 balls, the shot was a block and FLEW to cover,

Can face 130 KPH and hit it
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on June 19, 2008, 07:16:31 AM
What's that in english money noz?
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sambo on June 19, 2008, 11:02:31 AM
eng speed, 160kph = 100mph 130kph= 80.25mph
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Original on June 20, 2008, 03:32:28 PM
slightly doubt your facts there nozza.......
good read though
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on June 20, 2008, 03:35:18 PM
So nozza you  can face 80 odd miles per hour comfortably? if you can that's outstanding. Seriously.seeing as some pro's can have trouble with that pace. That was the pace of McGrath and Pollock  in their later days reckon you could face them.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Howzat on June 20, 2008, 04:10:03 PM
I rekon he can probably face 75mph comfortably in the nets...
He doesnt have 10,000 people on his back if he plays and misses
The pitch isnt crumbling on the last day
He doesnt need to pierce the field
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on June 20, 2008, 07:18:57 PM
on a bowling machine he probably could because you know where the ball is going to go each time.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sambo on June 21, 2008, 03:02:10 AM
geez any relatively smart person could. just be 3/4 of the way to hitting the ball just before it bowls.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: AlexBrown on July 03, 2008, 10:24:49 PM
if its full then its not too bad. I was comfortable digging on 80's. 75 on a length is a challenge, your decision making has to be very quick.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: VIVIAN on July 03, 2008, 10:47:10 PM
IMO its what crickets all about !
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Nozza on July 05, 2008, 12:29:50 AM
Yes mate it is easier on a bowling machine as you can put 80 miles an hour half volley on off stump. Mine were just short of a half volley though!

Keeper14 I was not trying to brag, just to clear that up ok boys.  You try 80 miles an hour soon you get a bit more used to the pace. DO NOT TRY HOOKING!!

I kept to the 130 standing only 5 metres back from the stumps. Words like intense pain come into mine as you catch it! lol
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: VIVIAN on July 05, 2008, 12:40:58 AM
good read

not heard of Chris Jordan before - is he english qualified? sounds promising

I'm pretty sure i heard something about him saying he wants to play for West Indies.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sambo on July 07, 2008, 08:32:33 AM
probably a bit to cold and wet for him.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: c dog on July 08, 2008, 03:48:06 PM
can easily nail 85-88mph full length balls on the bowling machine. got a few vids too to prove it, duno how 2 post tho.
using the bowling machine balls and on my laver, when i hit the balls, there is a burning smell due to the friction of the plastic balls on the anti scuff! fumes are well bad!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Howzat on July 08, 2008, 04:56:54 PM
Erm can you not just post the youtube linky cdogo?
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: c dog on July 08, 2008, 06:03:25 PM
ya i tried to upload on youtube but it wouldnt work, could send it to someone, but would take over 24 hrs
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on July 08, 2008, 06:05:01 PM
How long is the video c dog?
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: acko109 on July 09, 2008, 09:23:04 AM
IVE a pro called reon king ex west indian he bowled around 85
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: ECA on July 13, 2008, 04:31:15 PM
I used to play for Dunstall, a team in the Derbyshire Premier league. Also in the team was a certain Devon Malcolm. I can honestly say that I am glad I was in the same side as him, and not facing him. In the nets he regulary used to ping them down at 85-90mph, which was great experience, but also bloody scary as Devon is slightly erratic! I always used to enjoy nets with Devon ...1) for the batting experience, and 2) because it made you feel great as a bowler because he was so terrible at batting! :)
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Howzat on July 13, 2008, 04:34:51 PM
LOL sounds brilliant! I love facing fast bowlers, i just put the bat in the way and get the runs!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Richie on July 13, 2008, 08:29:20 PM
That's if you can even see the ball! LOL
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sambo on July 13, 2008, 10:23:23 PM
what happens if its a 85 mph bouncer aimed smack bang at your noggin
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Tom on July 13, 2008, 10:52:05 PM
Ahh I remember Devon Malcolm, I went to Nursery with one of his kids. Few years back Dunstall had both him and Jimmy Adams!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Nozza on July 13, 2008, 11:46:02 PM
24 hours to post the vids cdog? How long are they 10 hours long?
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: ECA on July 14, 2008, 07:48:46 AM
Ahh I remember Devon Malcolm, I went to Nursery with one of his kids. Few years back Dunstall had both him and Jimmy Adams!

Yep - thats the team I was in! Great experience. I take it you're from round that way then? I used to live in Burton on Trent.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Apple on June 13, 2009, 08:57:58 AM
Im u13 and I faced 77mph on the bowling machine, it was alrite . . . got castled a couple of times but towards the end started playin alot better
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 13, 2009, 09:11:02 AM
I have been hit in the head by a bowler bowling at close to 95mph. This was the days before helmets. I have faced bowlers bowling at close to 100mph.

I got hit because of my own stupidity, I felt too smart for the bowler who hit me. I proudly show the scar in my right eyebrow and above it. 

I hit 14 batsmen in my short career all of which ended up with serious injuries. Add one more in indoor cricket in which the batsman I hit swallowed his tongue after being hit.

A recent discusion with players of the prehelmet and helmet era states that the helmet has made ordinary batsman very brave and great batsmen almost invincible.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Howzat on June 13, 2009, 09:20:38 AM
I have been hit in the head by a bowler bowling at close to 95mph. This was the days before helmets. I have faced bowlers bowling at close to 100mph.

I got hit because of my own stupidity, I felt too smart for the bowler who hit me. I proudly show the scar in my right eyebrow and above it. 

I hit 14 batsmen in my short career all of which ended up with serious injuries. Add one more in indoor cricket in which the batsman I hit swallowed his tongue after being hit.

A recent discusion with players of the prehelmet and helmet era states that the helmet has made ordinary batsman very brave and great batsmen almost invincible.

You seem perversely proud about this lol
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 13, 2009, 09:28:44 AM
lol. Well yes because I put two of the opposition in hospital from my spell after it happened.
But i learned a great lesson in life from that hit: never under estimate the next ball. In other words play every ball on its merits not on your ego.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: bucko2007 on June 13, 2009, 09:56:25 AM
95mph... *cough* bullshit *cough*
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 13, 2009, 11:44:10 AM
Sigh Buck, what more can I say.

There are very few negative voices on this board but you stand out. I'll admit I am well passed my prime but at least I got to prime.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on June 13, 2009, 01:04:42 PM
Faced about 60-65 comfortably in a match but never faced anyone quicker.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Coach on June 13, 2009, 08:03:17 PM
IVE a pro called reon king ex west indian he bowled around 85

Ive kept to Reon a couple of times he was sharp but not that sharp in his later days, good bowler tho
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: bucko2007 on June 13, 2009, 09:16:38 PM
I'm glad I stand out art, the amount of nonsense you talk is laughable...
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 13, 2009, 09:32:47 PM
Far be it for me to get into a little gutter brawl here but really you know little of what you talk and less about reality.

Go play you childish games with someone else
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: bucko2007 on June 13, 2009, 09:36:15 PM
I'm not playing childish games, this forum is about serious discussion, and if you can't take criticism over your input then you should leave. How can you expect to get away with saying you faced someone bowling 95mph? I'm guessing they had a speed gun to hand at the game then? There are a handful of men on the planet that can bowl 95mph, and even fewer 20-30 years ago
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sockouk on June 13, 2009, 09:38:02 PM
Art you also talk a great deal of 'balderdash'.
I also find the way you refer to bucko2007 as 'buck' extremely rude.
That is like me calling you artery in every post, you yourself know very little about what you talk about, you may recall the thread about burnout when I cited scientific research and you either ingored it or just formulated your own theory.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Liam-SCCC on June 13, 2009, 09:55:18 PM
i have faced 85mph on the bowling machine, hit it for 6! (only because i knew where it was going so swang, it was a huge top edge and went high over a short boundary).

Can face 70-75mph on the bowling machine, but as some may know, facing a bowling machine is so much different to face a real quick bowler.

Lad in our team has been clocked at 82mph, struggle against him sometimes but if just time a push then it will go.

Was thinking about facing 99mph on the bowling machine but after i saw it knocj the springback stumps a couple of foot back i decided against it!

i prefer facing pace to spin as it is easier to get away
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: bucko2007 on June 13, 2009, 10:07:46 PM
Do you think the bowling machine speed reading overestimates reality? I know a lot of people feel that the bowling machine makes it seem quicker than reality, I think that might be part of the fact there is no arm action...
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sockouk on June 13, 2009, 10:12:37 PM
I once faced 99 mph at school, Mr Sutton wasn't looking and Brett turned it up to full ( I assume 99mph is full)
It went miles down leg-good job as I did not have a clue.
Previous to that I was facing 55-60mph due to being a (No Swearing Please) batsman
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 13, 2009, 10:17:14 PM
In my time there were three bowlers who could bowl, according to the experts and antiquated speed machines, who could bowl greater than 95 mph and a few who could bowl between 90-95 on a good day with conditions right.

I have faced 4 of those bowlers all with a good head of steam up.

So perhaps you go and take a cold shower and think about it for a while. I still practise against bowling machines set at 140kph and face practice real bowling of the same general speed on a weekly basis. I am no longer competent at speeds over 145 kph.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sockouk on June 13, 2009, 10:55:26 PM
Your sentences lack punctuation and grammar, you make out the experts could bowl at 95mph.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: raymond on June 13, 2009, 11:46:13 PM
Art i dont believe you that is seriously fast, faster than many test bowlers, anyone who can bowl that fast would be playing county or state level, unless you play at that level.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 14, 2009, 06:38:59 AM
You know buck you are right. I am indeed in the presence of greatness with you here and my humble contributions might occur from now on elsewhere.

Having spent a few weeks putting together something special for this site and trying to help Leo out during the recent problems (I guess you were too busy to make that post I asked Leo) kind of pale into insignificance in the presence of buck.

Thank you for your time folks.

Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: art on June 14, 2009, 06:44:22 AM
Just one point Raymond, I was in England studying for a degree a little higher than batchelor and played cricket for relaxation. I broke down with a smashed knee while bowling on a wet wicket. In those old days you got paid very little for playing but a lot in the commercial world with a PhD.
These days I would have chosen differently.

So yes I still play at my vintage and play against the best of my vintage. One doesn't expect respect these days and so I give back what I receive. So folks thanks for your time.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Howzat on June 14, 2009, 08:06:19 AM
Art mate, its a public forum, you cant expect everyone to agree with you. You just have to take all comments with a pinch of salt.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: bucko2007 on June 14, 2009, 10:09:33 AM
You don't have to take it so personally, its great you have contributed to the site, but that is a seperare issue from comments made in the forum... I don't believe a word you have said about speeds in this forum, but that is the way it is. Maybe it is a little disrespectful of me to question the validity of what you are saying, but personal accounts of bowling speeds is a subject that is often greatly exaggerated. What is certainly disrespectful is the way you talk down to me and other members
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Sockouk on June 14, 2009, 10:24:15 AM
Just one point Raymond, I was in England studying for a degree a little higher than batchelor and played cricket for relaxation. I broke down with a smashed knee while bowling on a wet wicket. In those old days you got paid very little for playing but a lot in the commercial world with a PhD.
These days I would have chosen differently.

So yes I still play at my vintage and play against the best of my vintage. One doesn't expect respect these days and so I give back what I receive. So folks thanks for your time.

Something a little higher than a 'batcherlor' degree. If I was going to be a right cock about it I could argue there is no such thing as that, as it is an incorrect spelling. But regardless there is nothing a 'little' higher, a masters takes a considerable amount of effort and a Ph.D. even more work as there is no funding.
Yet again you are calling another forum member by the name 'buck'. I do not believe they have given you permission to call them by that and as such continuing to do so is rude and lacks in etiquette.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Liam-SCCC on June 14, 2009, 10:58:38 AM
Do you think the bowling machine speed reading overestimates reality? I know a lot of people feel that the bowling machine makes it seem quicker than reality, I think that might be part of the fact there is no arm action...

the machine i use has an auto feeder, so there is a beep and a red light, then a ball drops down to the wheels, i feel my self making a very early movement when facing it. In the cricket diary topic there is a video of me on it and you can see me moving very early when a ball falls out
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Apple on September 27, 2009, 08:53:01 AM
reading this it looks like art must be some sort of ex pro . . . .

I can face 75-77 on a length, but i really looking forward to facing a kid at my new school who apprently the fastest bowler at my age group in the country
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: westie on September 27, 2009, 08:54:37 AM
i prefer facing pace than spin , love the ball coming onto the bat !
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Cakes on September 27, 2009, 04:11:39 PM
we have got a county player at U15 who bowls 70-75 in our school team , thing is he bowls short most of the time and my god it hurts when it hits you in the ribs !
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Master-Basterd on September 27, 2009, 04:18:43 PM
I faced about 3 overs from our kiwi pro. about 80ish mph. out of the 18 balls i faced i got LBW'd about 3 times, about 5 caught behinds. and the rest were solid as lego blocks.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: acko109 on September 27, 2009, 07:03:55 PM
Ive faced an opening bowler mohamed zahid played for pakistan u21s a while bk he was sharp n was  deadly on a horrible wet track http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/41299.html (http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/41299.html) thers his play cricket
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: FattusCattus on September 27, 2009, 07:08:43 PM
Sometimes it's not the pace, but what they do with it. I faced a Kiwi pro in a game on a green top, and he did me all ends up with a succesion of leg cutters that I didn't touch, followed up with a fast off break which cleared me up.

Thing is, I had a crack at every delivery, because it looked like it was in my arc - and I missed every one!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: SillyShilly on September 27, 2009, 07:09:13 PM
(http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/DB/111997/000190.icon.jpg)
I would have trouble concentrating if i saw that impressive uni-brow steaming in at 100mph!
At least the wicket wasnt rock hard and you were having to dodge, dip, duck and dive (thats the 5 d's of dodgeball)
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Apple on September 27, 2009, 07:11:34 PM
theres only 4, but seeing that impressive double brow
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: SillyShilly on September 27, 2009, 07:12:48 PM
watch the film my boy.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Apple on September 27, 2009, 07:14:30 PM
ive seen it, they say dive a couple of times ;)
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: aidy1098 on September 27, 2009, 07:16:13 PM
ive seen it, they say dive a couple of times ;)


and i think after dodge, dip, duck and dive and then dodge again i think :)

so to summarise lol: dodge dip duck dive and dodge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQqkQKde_kU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQqkQKde_kU)
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: SillyShilly on September 27, 2009, 07:16:57 PM
so you agree then - those are the 5 d's of dodgeball.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: aidy1098 on September 27, 2009, 07:19:55 PM
so you agree then - those are the 5 d's of dodgeball.

agreed!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: acko109 on September 27, 2009, 07:21:12 PM
yer its a naughty mono brow :P but on a track when the ball pops at u off a length id rather play on a rock hard track at least if it was short id no i would be round my face
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: gramw on September 27, 2009, 08:49:55 PM
theres only 4, but seeing that impressive double brow
Surely a double brow is normal? thats some mono brow though!
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Damo1583 on September 27, 2009, 09:23:29 PM
Fast bowling is something you adjust to over time, you dont just step onto the village green and face 90mph half trackers. It is something you grow with and develop your technique to...........If you do, my advice is to watch the ball from when the bowler stars his run up and dont take your eye of it. Play lenth not line stay on your toes and keep calm.......
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Beachcricket on September 28, 2009, 04:41:28 PM
A guy who has played a few games for Glamorgan 2's this summer plays for our team. He's about 80mph when his rhythm is good and it's quick for me!!! he's also 6'8'' so the ball is coming down from the sky somewhere.

Please don't hit me! Please don't hit me!

If you faced it more often you may get used to it but it's a shock when the ball hits the back of the net before you've lifted your bat.
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: yvk3103 on September 28, 2009, 08:16:31 PM
Thought I prefer to start my innings facing a fast bowler rather than a spinner, I used to be a bit nervous starting off against a express bowlers. Last season, my club's overseas pro who bowls consistently around the 80-82mph mark gave me the following tip and it has helped me. Stand 6-8 inches outside the crease, have a low back-lift to start with, play close to your body and below ur head and play with a straight bat. Once you start getting used to the pace and swing increase your back-lift. Once in a while step down and try to play straight (defend or a chip over the infield), the bowler is sure to give you a short one which if you are a good puller of the ball will be the boundary ball for you.

I worked on this in the nets over the winter and have truly benefited from his advise.

btw, he also told me the pain you feel when you are hit by a ball is the same whether it is a spinner or a fast bowler as you feel it more in your mind than where it has hit you
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: Apple on September 28, 2009, 08:24:37 PM
oh my god HES A GENIUS
Title: Re: Whats it like to face a fast bowler...
Post by: stevie on September 28, 2009, 09:16:46 PM
I actually prefer playing against quicker bowlers because it's more like playing on instict rather than think about what shot to play to spinners while the ball is in the air.