Print

[WalkingWicket37]

While I have everyone's attention...

I have been doing quite a bit of research in terms of watching instructional videos and reading articles and such. Would anyone like to offer their opinion on a video, or book, that would be beneficial for the first time player? I am looking for advice on batting: grip, stance, different shots, etc.

There's a Mark ramprekash masterclass video thread in the forum somewhere, would be as good a place as any to start

[WalkingWicket37]

Said video topic here

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=31279.0

[tanrichguy]

Thanks Cameron. I will definitely check it out. I can certainly use all the help I can get!

Cheers!

[Six Sixes Cricket]

Buzz has done a batting master class as well. Hopefully he will read the thread and link you in.

[tim2000s]

Did Paul add the toeguard?

[Buzz]

Buzz has done a batting master class as well. Hopefully he will read the thread and link you in.

link here as requested... this is targeted at players who have been playing for a while really, but if it helps, enjoy...
http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=22148.0

[calcurtis98]

I've heard these H4L bats go like trains, I'm glad you've bitten the bullet and joined a club. I'm sure you will enjoy cricket and everything it's has to offer. Even though cricket is my third sport it is probably the most enjoyable and with a good bunch of lads can be made very enjoyable. Good luck in practice on Friday, would appreciate if you let me know how the bat goes.

[tanrichguy]

Did Paul add the toeguard?

Yes indeed

[ItsJustCricket]

Thanks for the post, Aaron! So pleased you like the bat! 

Funnily enough, I have decided to get the very same bat (HellFire Grade 2) for myself to see if it will help me find some batting form again, which has been AWOL for far too long! I've gone for the Long Blade option for the first time, so like you, it will be a new experience, but also like you I trust H4L as much, if not more, than any other brand, so surely my average will increase, right?! 

[JB]

Good choice Paul!!

[tanrichguy]

Good for you Paul! I hope the new bat brings you instant success. I am thinking if I ever decide to get another bat it should be a long blade. Then again, how much longer is it really?

[tanrichguy]

Oh and Paul, pictures or it didn't happen, as they say ;-)

[tanrichguy]

Update: so I survived my first cricket practice.  The club has a very nicely maintained ground albeit with an artificial surface track (more on that in a moment). Some portable nets were set up and we had batting practice. A few thoughts:
-cricket batting is hard
-I cannot hit a cover drive if my life depended on it
-I am totally out of shape
After batting practice was some fielding practice which was much better and then a quick practice "match". During the match, I managed two catches! One was a line drive that I didn't know much about, if I'm honest but it stuck in my hands so it looked impressive. The other was a looping flyball that I managed not to drop.
In my time at the crease I faced 16 balls and scored 6 runs. Two singles and a nice sweep for 4. I was bowled when I tried to advance down the wicket and hit the dreaded drive. The track is not natural grass so it was very fast and quite bouncy. It's going to take some getting used to for sure.

Anyway, the Hellfire performed brilliantly. When I did manage to hit the ball near the middle it made a most beautiful sound and went like stink. I'm sure that I will be able to better communicate the attributes of the bat once I gain more experience.
The main takeaway from today is that I love this game!

[sarg]

Hardwicket pitches are a good place for you to start and it's easier to leave a ball and be confident it will bounce above stump height.

Start with the basics. Solid defence is the basic platform all the attacking shots come from. I started that way and learned fast to leave the shots alone I had no shot to play safety. Time at the crease is best way improve your confidence.

[ItsJustCricket]

Good for you Paul! I hope the new bat brings you instant success. I am thinking if I ever decide to get another bat it should be a long blade. Then again, how much longer is it really?

Approximately one inch, Aaron, but one of the bat makers on here could give you a more specific figure, if needed.  What I like about the long blade concept over the long handle, is that the handle length is the same as the short handle bats, but the overall length is the same as a long handle.  I have used a long handle before but didn't get on with the handle as I kept fidgeting with my grip as it's too long and I never really knew where I should be holding it! Short handle bats have a much snugger fit, but I've found that because I am tall (6'5") the ball has an annoying tendency to creep under the bat and I struggle to dig out yorkers, so hopefully the long blade should reduce the risk of this.  That's the plan, anyway!