Topic: tips for opening the batting (Read 4500 times)

brokenbat · « **on:** June 16, 2014, 04:43:38 PM »

I usually bat in the top four, and have recently been asked to bat at the top. I normally am slow to start off, and really cash in when the spinners come on to bowl. Would like a few pointers on the following:

1.   Should I assume every bowler can bowl both outswing and inswing? I feel that this forces me to watch the ball REALLY closely, and play late.
2.   What should I be telling myself? I currently have a motto: �shrug it off�watch the ball�. The �shrug it off� bit refers to the previous ball � whether I hit a cracking shot for four, or get beaten, I have to remove that from my head, and just watch the next ball. I also tell myself to keep my head REALLY REALLY still, and get my head to the ball, and play the ball only if under my eyes.
3.   Lastly, I focus on making sure I am seeing the �hawkeye� � I.E, I need to see the ball out of the hand, onto my bat, without any gaps in between. When this is happening, I know I am getting set. When I lose sight of the ball along the way, I know I am not focusing enough, and probably moving my head too much.

Any other pointers you gents want to share?

Seniorplayer · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2014, 05:32:14 PM »

The key is not to give the opposition inroads into your batting lineup bat with a tight technique get the feet moving from ball one leave balls you do not have to play play no risky shots think like an opener not a middle order player don't worry about the score your role is to see off the opening bowlers and the new ball assess the match situation after every five overs.

compstallcc · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2014, 08:57:32 PM »

personally, unless the bowler has either exceptional; pace, lines or control of swing i find playing positively while opening reasonably comfortable. As there is a lot of men behind the bat you will have a lot of gaps in the field. If you dont play positively when opening it is very easy to get bogged down which is when you get yourself out by playing a silly shot. When the loose ball comes (which is bound to come unless you are playing at a very good standard), hit it. Just because you're opening doesn't mean you have to defend every ball. Watch the ball is my personal switch on but try a lot of methods and use what works for you best. I wouldnt advise presuming the bowler is swinging it because this may cause you to play a different ball than is actually bowled but if it then works for you then fair enough.

Buzz · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:23:22 PM »

keep it simple.

watch the ball.

play the line, keep your shape.

don't over think it.

play yourself in.

the little ripper · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2014, 09:49:18 PM »

Don't eat big at tea if batting in the second innings.

tim2000s · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2014, 10:34:20 PM »

Quote from: compstallcc on June 16, 2014, 08:57:32 PM

personally, unless the bowler has either exceptional; pace, lines or control of swing i find playing positively while opening reasonably comfortable. As there is a lot of men behind the bat you will have a lot of gaps in the field. If you dont play positively when opening it is very easy to get bogged down which is when you get yourself out by playing a silly shot. When the loose ball comes (which is bound to come unless you are playing at a very good standard), hit it. Just because you're opening doesn't mean you have to defend every ball. Watch the ball is my personal switch on but try a lot of methods and use what works for you best. I wouldnt advise presuming the bowler is swinging it because this may cause you to play a different ball than is actually bowled but if it then works for you then fair enough.

Lovely, with a bit of seam, your techniques will have you in all sorts of trouble I imagine?

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Cumbrian Pete · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2014, 10:37:43 PM »

Watch the ball for as long as possible is the best advice for batting in any position...but I agree that you need to be positive and still look to put away the bad balls. Commit to your shots when you decide to play an attacking shot and defend with soft hands. Although you need to play on front and back foot, always keep your head forward as much as possible for back foot shots too.

arsenal123 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2014, 08:29:54 AM »

Think forward, that's my advice. Think about driving and defending on the front foot at all times (doesn't mean do them, just think positive), then you'll see the bad balls to cut and pull a touch more obviously.

Personal thing, when I open the batting I bat on middle and off (right hander). Know where my off stump so I can leave a lot if needs be, it also forces me to play straighter as I know I could be LBW if I start playing across my pads, forces me to play in the V.

jamesisapayne · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2014, 08:45:30 AM »

Quote from: the little ripper on June 16, 2014, 09:49:18 PM

Don't eat big at tea if batting in the second innings.

Especially the carbs - a crash before going out is not great for your concentration!

GarrettJ · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2014, 08:52:36 AM »

no half measures or waving your bat around like you are dusting the tv stand with a feather duster.

El Nino · « **Reply #10 on:** June 17, 2014, 09:14:29 AM »

Knowing where your off stump is, is a really key skill to opening the batting.

You do a lot more leaving early and being able to properly judge what lines to have to play and leave set you in good stead to start your innings.

Manormanic · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2014, 09:20:16 AM »

watch the ball, don't miss a straight one!

Stuey · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2014, 09:36:04 AM »

Comfortable stance, eyes parallel looking forward over your leading shoulder, head slightly forward towards the ball, WATCH THE BALL!!!
Practise practise practise until the above becomes natural, your head and shoulder will lean in to the ball, that's when the fun starts:)
Oh and WATCH THE BALL, your brain will react quicker than you can!

brokenbat · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2014, 10:42:25 AM »

thanks guys - sometimes I find myself jabbing at the ball / playing too early. so to address this, I have tried telling myself to only hit the ball when its under my eyes. has helped to a certain extent.

tim2000s · « **Reply #14 on:** June 17, 2014, 10:55:33 AM »

Honestly, watch ball, hit ball, don't think about it. The more you think about it the less you are concentrating on the ball. By all means think about it in nets when getting yourself prepared, but once in the middle, see ball, hit (or leave) ball.

Author Topic: tips for opening the batting (Read 4500 times)

brokenbat

tips for opening the batting

Seniorplayer

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compstallcc

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Buzz

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the little ripper

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tim2000s

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Cumbrian Pete

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arsenal123

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jamesisapayne

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GarrettJ

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El Nino

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Manormanic

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Stuey

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brokenbat

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tim2000s

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