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[KasperRubin]

Hey Guys

I'm in a bit of a situation here

I'm captain for my club in Denmark.

We have had a good season with our bowling, but our batting really struggles.

We have taken teams for under 130 runs a couple of times (50 overs matches), but struggled to chase. One time we got bowled for 36 runs after bowling them for 124 runs, and it's on atificial pitches, so it havent changed trough the innings. People get them selv bowled out, or get caught on defensive shots.

Should we try and bat first, or stick with the chasing, and try putting preasure on the other team by bowling them out for less than 150 runs?

[Kulli]

I'm facing almost exactly the same dilemma here.

I've tended to stick to bowling first and hoping the opposition crack under the pressure. Annoyingly we did once score 260 in our 40 overs only to then have it chased down as we fielded like dicks, but otherwise we've been struggling to make more than around 150-180 which just isn't nearly enough in most games.

Recently I've had a go at setting a target which has met with fairly mixed success.

[uknsaunders]

Bat first as the pitch won't change. Grind out a total and use scoreboard pressure.

[Leddster138]

Bat first as the pitch won't change. Grind out a total and use scoreboard pressure.

I agree with this. We've had the same problem all year. Batting has not fired but bowling has done really well. Scoreboard pressure can be massive with good bowlers plus you remove the pressure from the batters (who haven't being doing well). We've ended up getting up to the 190-200 mark a few times with batters having ago in their own time rather than chasing a target and those kind of totals are plenty for a good bowling attack. Unless the pitch is going to get significantly better I'd always bat first.

[mp07]

Bat first, takes away lot of pressure to perform when batting side is struggling.  Plus, you don't want to field full overs and then go out to bat...

[Kal]

Depends also whether you have draws in your league. If it's just win or lose, then bat 2nd...

[mini998]

bat first , keep your strong ability which is bowling to the second innings.

[Seniorplayer]

Agree bat first then put pressure on opposition also  keep changing the field placings to stop each of the opposition batsman scoring  if there's no draw.

[charliemott]

Am I the only one who enjoys bowling first, simply because I dont have to then dive around behind the stumps with stomach full of tea? 

[FvanN]

Am I the only one who enjoys bowling first, simply because I dont have to then dive around behind the stumps with stomach full of tea? 

2nd that. Bowl first have a nice bing tea.

[JB]

We tend to bowl first, we have a strong bowling attack and we tend to skittle teams fairly cheaply. Our batting is sometimes hit and miss though and we have failed to chase down 72 & 82!!!

[Cumbrian Pete]

I keep wicket and open the batting so have to have a light tea either way! 

[19reading87]

As captain I try and Win the toss and have a bat is my main thought! I like the pressure of bowling second and you have 11 men on the field trying to win the game as a unit. Runs on the board too.

[SLC]

Depends, how hot is the weather? Don't want a mutiny for fielding first!

[KIPPERS]

Depends what the side is for? I skipper the development team we usually loose. If possible I will always bowl first so I can give the lads a bowl without them feeling that one poor over will loose the match. If you bat first and get skittled for 70-80 you have no leeway in giving your bowlers experience. As for batting all our lads will probably get a bat anyway. And I don't want to be finished by 4.