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[Akewstick]

This question affects me a bit strangely because I'm 26 and never touched a bat until two years ago, I started from scratch at 24, two seasons under my belt (I average 4 with the bat), I've just started getting proper coaching and am actually learning proper technique now. I'm still learning as fast as I can, getting any second of practice I can possibly get, training hard, and this year I'm getting fit as well, stopped smoking and lost a few pounds. I'm proud of the degree at which I've persevered with and learned about this game that is so unforgiving towards someone with no history of technique or training, but as of yet I still have pretty much nothing to show for it. If I can transform myself from a total bunny with lead feet, holding the bat wrong and a wobbly gut and rattling lungs to a half decent batsman in a few seasons, I'll really feel I've accomplished something.

I know 26 is no age to be worrying about failing eyesight and creaky bones and so on, but I'm just thinking: if after 2 years I'm still getting exactly the same scores as when I first started, how long is it going to be before I can really start competing? I'm imagining scoring my first 50 when I'm 37 and my back going that season and that being the end of it.

At what age do people think a batsman stops noticing himself improve? If ever? And at what age does a batsman start noticing himself losing his abilities?

If the answer is - stick at it and you can get better and better into your 50s then I'm totally happy to hear that.

[Andythomo21]

I think in amateur cricket you can continue improving well into your thirties, maybe even early forties.  I'm slightly different to you as I have been brought up with cricket and playing since I was 8 years old.  I'd say I have a bit of natural talent but this counts for very little.  I'm now 33 and had my best ever season with the bat 2 seasons ago when I got four hundreds.

The difference is I'd say, not so much about me being any better now, but I value my wicket more, have more experience and give more thought to my shot selection.

Keep doing what you're doing mate and you'll start seeing some improvement.

[rich041187]

I definitely peaked when I was 15. Been struggling ever since to replicate - I blame booze and women

[WalkingWicket37]

I definitely peaked when I was 15. Been struggling ever since to replicate - I blame booze and women

This!

As soon as I hit 18 everything went downhill (apart from my tolerance to alcohol!). I put it down to the pre match beer and the pint at drinks... 

[edge]

In amateur cricket there's no reason you can't keep going for years - I've played with/against a couple of guys in their 50s who still smack it everywhere and score 500+ a season in league cricket. Maybe they're not improving any more but they were certainly still effective.

[shax12]

I peaked at 17-19 had amazing few seasons but since then I been hit and miss.

[Seniorplayer]

Not sure you can put an age on reaching your peak as three are many influential factors yes we can all refer to our averages
But that is not always a true reflection of performance or contribution.

[horseman]

Excellent opening post,
I think you can view it two ways. Looking at the stats you produce orhow you are feeling about batting. What you'll find is that the more you play the more you will understand the situations you are batting in. When I was younger playing a lot of junior 2020 cricket I just wanted to hit every ball in senior cricket, then when I started playing senior cricket on its own, I realised how long an innings was and you could be patient. I try to practice as much as I can to add to my shot selection, but as long as I know where my off stump is and can still play a solid defence you can ease into your innings.

Best thing is to enjoy your batting and the people around you. That will help you improve. Good luck.
BEST ADVICE ON HERE IS BUY ONE BAT AND STICK WITH IT (ITS WHAT EVERYONE ELSE DOES!!)

[Chad]

Excellent opening post,
I think you can view it two ways. Looking at the stats you produce orhow you are feeling about batting. What you'll find is that the more you play the more you will understand the situations you are batting in. When I was younger playing a lot of junior 2020 cricket I just wanted to hit every ball in senior cricket, then when I started playing senior cricket on its own, I realised how long an innings was and you could be patient. I try to practice as much as I can to add to my shot selection, but as long as I know where my off stump is and can still play a solid defence you can ease into your innings.

Best thing is to enjoy your batting and the people around you. That will help you improve. Good luck.
BEST ADVICE ON HERE IS BUY ONE BAT AND STICK WITH IT (ITS WHAT EVERYONE ELSE DOES!!)

Get this clown out of here... Trying to deceive the masses with such heresy!

[Buzz]

In answer to the question, my best seasons were between the ages of 29 and 34 - but I also think that has a lot to do with the declining standards of the teams I have been playing against (we got relegated!)

[horseman]

Get this clown out of here... Trying to deceive the masses with such heresy!

@Akewstick is still pure chad, take him under your wing and lead them to the dark side of willow. !!

[uknsaunders]

In answer to the question, my best seasons were between the ages of 29 and 34 - but I also think that has a lot to do with the declining standards of the teams I have been playing against (we got relegated!)

No that's about right, maybe nearer to mid-late twenties.

It's a combination of things, some physicial (eyesite and reflexes, strength etc) and mental (reading he situation, the bowler, having a "memory bank" of solutions to deal with problems). The latter takes years of trial and error. From your teens until well into your twenties you have to learn how to bat, while fighting the aging process.

Physically, I think your strength and mobility go first, followed by eyesite and reflexes. People lose muscle mass from 25 onwards and from personal experience I started picking up injuries from around 30, hamstring tear, groin etc. Eyesite at 44 still seems ok, did buy some glasses but they don't seem to make a significant difference at the moment. When I get in my reflexes seem ok and would be better but for the dodgy back hindering mobility.

Personally, I don't think you can improve beyond your early thirties without significantly fitness and coaching sessions. Talking intensive stuff and you wouldn't go from 3rd XI to ECB Prem, maybe up a division or two at best.

[FvanN]

I peaked at 35 (best season ever last summer)

[FattusCattus]

I'm 43 and have yet to peak.

[GDP1964]

I'm 43 and have yet to peak.

i am 50 ditto