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[richthekeeper]

Here's another twist on a theme - what are peoples approaches to keeping the runs ticking when the bowling is good?

To set the scene, I'm usually an opening bat although I came in at 3 yesterday in the 4th over. My strengths are definitely my concentration and stubbornness - my job is to bat as long as possible, wear down the bowlers and see the shine off the ball so that my boundary-smashing middle order teammates can fill their boots. I do this on my regular basis, and have scored 34, 28 and 25 so far this season.

Of course, with those scores I'd be hoping to go on and get 50 plus, but we've batted on some very challenging early season decks and it has been attritional at times!

Still, my point is, when you're batting at the top of the order and facing the moving ball, what are people's methods of scoring at a reasonable rate? Do you have a release shot that punishes anything a fraction short, or maybe you're happy to guide to third man even though the slip cordon is willing you to nick it?

I leave anything wide of off stump and try to get bowlers to bowl straighter at me early on, but often they're quite happy to bowl maidens and I don't want to get tied down!

[Bruce]

I will walk to the bowler in a Rob Key fashion.
You can usually put the bowler off by doing so and forcing them to over pitch or pitch shorter opening up your options

[deanoknight]

Yep, if I feel the bowler is getting on top I'll take a few steps at him, not trying to smash it but it gives them something to think about. Normally you'll find it gets a few chirps from slips and more often then not the next ball might be either a bit short or a bit quicker missing his line or length. For me its hasn't got to be a few steps then bang, even if you leave it normally does the trick.

[Northern monkey]

To me, anything outside off is a free hit, as is anything over pitched , or down leg, or short
Hit the above for four or six.
To achieve the above, move your feet

Simples

Always find when the scoring slows, it's because I'm stuck in my crease,,(decent teams tend to try and get the keeper to stand up to me)

[trypewriter]

I think you are doing a proper job. Wait for the bad ball or the ball that really feeds your most consistent scoring shot. The longer you stay there the more they'll strain to get you out and they'll make their own errors.

[smilley792]

Wait for the bad ball. And ensure you put it away.

If the oppo are bowling well. Then you just have to be patient. 


Yesterday k opened and got 85 of 66. Yet in the middle of that innings the oppo bowled 6 maidens in a row.
There was nothing to score from so you just got to make sure your there to score when a loose one comes.

If you get castled trying to score from a good ball. Your deffo not getting anymore runs from back in the shed.

[richthekeeper]

Agree on walking towards the bowler, but often keepers stand up in my league.

Not sure the advice of "smash the bad ball" is what I was looking for! I was more thinking about people's methods for picking up singles and having that one area that they know they can hit safely to tick the runs over.

[Buzz]

Few thoughts here that may help.

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=8242.msg124907#msg124907

And

http://custombats.co.uk/cbforum/index.php?topic=5779.msg85120#msg85120

[abdulwq]

Agree with standing couple steps down the wicket if the keeper is away frustrates the bowler to change his line or batsmen getting some over pitched delies...
Anything wide off the stumps should be played when you are set enough and your back foot starts moving picking the line and length of ball.

[potzy248]

I really think the "shine takers" are dinosaurs. Unless you are playing test match cricket, your goal should always be to put the bowlers under pressure.

Like you say bowlers probably love bowling to you as they get maidens. As a captain I might even want to keep you in for an extended period.

No need to go out and tee off but sometimes you may need to take a few risks. Fields up, balls hard, be positive mate.

[richthekeeper]

I know what you mean, but I'm the only one in my team who can play the moving ball. If I'm out early there's usually a collapse, and if I bat 25 overs I will usually score 50+ so I'm not a complete blocker. I'd just like to add a few more options to my game to pick up a few more runs along the way.

[potzy248]

I know what you mean, but I'm the only one in my team who can play the moving ball. If I'm out early there's usually a collapse, and if I bat 25 overs I will usually score 50+ so I'm not a complete blocker. I'd just like to add a few more options to my game to pick up a few more runs along the way.

If you're getting to 50 and facing half the deliveries in the 25 overs then thats acceptable. If you're facing the whole 25 overs then hmmm...

I try and get my players to have 2 4 scoring shots. One for the short ball and one for the full ball. Too short boom. Too full boom. From their the risks are up to the batsman.

[richthekeeper]

Not sure how I'd go about facing all 25 overs. I'm glad you think my scoring rate is acceptable, I live only to impress you.

I appreciate your comments but they don't address the question I asked.

[potzy248]

Did they not? 

Oh well, good luck to you mate.

[felix]

Maybe I'm a dinosaur too but I think @richthekeeper's role in his team deserves a bit more respect. I think in most average levels of 50 over club cricket there is still a place for somebody to anchor the innings a bit and provide a platform the strokemakers and hitters. This isn't T20 we're talking about. When nobody agrees with that point or view I guess it's time for me to pack it all in  . So looking for methods to improve the effectiveness of somebody playing that kind of innings is a reasonable question.