Print

[arjwiz]

Some captains win the toss and bat, because WG Grace said so.

Some captains win the toss and bowl because they like chasing.

Some consider the pitch conditions and team strengths.

What factors do you consider to decide whether to bat or bowl first?

If it's overcast I try and bowl first.
If its going to rain I try and bowl during the period it might rain, as I find it hard to hit the ball when it's wet and soft and the outfield damp.
If I have a better batting lineup than bowling, then I try and bat first, and vice versa.

[Biggie Smalls]

Unless the pitch is greener than green ..... bat . If in doubt , bat .

[Number4]

Unless the pitch is greener than green ..... bat . If in doubt , bat .

If still in doubt ask the vice captain then bat

[GoodLeave]

Unless the pitch is greener than green ..... bat . If in doubt , bat .

Or, if you're our captain, see it's greener than green and decide to bat anyway.

Wonder why we call him "Chief Toss-er".

I think all the factors you mention are valid, also depends on whether your team is just better set up to chase regardless.

[edge]

Bat, unless you really don't want to bat first on the pitch or you know the oppo will cheat umpiring the second innings.

[Gurujames]

We always bowl. In our league you only have 1 ball for the game so there's the advantage of bowling first and not looking after the ball 10 overs from the end of the first innings.

[Northern monkey]

Bat

I'd give up playing cricket before I'd change my thoughts on this

[Number 11]

First consider EVERYTHING, team, oppo, pitch, current weather, future weather, has all your team arrived, when are the slackers turning up, are all the teas prepped and ready. Then have a ciggie.
Grab the oppo captain stroll out for the toss and promptly lose it.

[rahul_1987]

We play Thames Valley mid division so Bat first and get maximum batting points

[springbok45]

Our league if you win the toss bat first and win 25pts, win the toss bowl first and win 20pts can't quite work out why.

[jblowe]

Early season wet pitches I would bowl. Hot mid-summer with the chance of a long afternoon in the field, BAT!!

However if the opposition are very poor I would bat, to make more of a game of it.

[richthekeeper]

Our league if you win the toss bat first and win 25pts, win the toss bowl first and win 20pts can't quite work out why.

because the inference is that you only put the oppo in when there are very bowler-friendly conditions, so you get somewhat penalised for doing so.

[hopwoodbear]

Our league if you win the toss bat first and win 25pts, win the toss bowl first and win 20pts can't quite work out why.

its more difficult to bowl a side out than chase a score, the different points awarded reflect this

[Seniorplayer]

Bat first because after fielding for 50 overs  with 8 players my legs have gone

[HallamKeeper]

As a keeper I much prefer fielding first. Better light and a longer warm up.

As a batsman I much prefer it first if I'm batting 6-8. Not usually a lot of pressure on you not to get. If I am higher in the order I prefer to be batting second. Not sure why.