I'm exactly in your role now but your decades younger so try this: opened for best part of 25 years I didn't know what an old ball was....2015 saw an annus horriblis of gigantic proportions, slipped down the order so far I was nearly a bowler....wait it gets worse....so got a few overs to push the score along at the end....found I couldn't really do that and dropped myself to the thirds for end of season.
Due to some players on holiday a surprise call up back to my old team even thou the skipper had said I am 'not in his plans...at all' which was fair enough
But my,opening spot was gone. So I decided whatever position they want me to bat I take it. So back in number 5 and 6 for 2016 and a resurgence back to half decent form (average 27), a tough 2017 against div 1 bowling followed but I'm still in the team batting 5 or 6, which gives me a break after fielding, or a rest to relax before batting.my opening spot has gone and won't come back, younger guys took my spot(that's good).
Here's what I worked on and am still working on:
Rotate the strike more...more gaps in the field so try to get singles.
Don't panic about hitting out..strong correct shots still work,technique still matters
Gamble.....if the fields in...back yourself to get it up and over.
Be positive, odds in your favour for hard hits shots-if they catch you right off the middle good luck to them.
Don't worry about a few low scores....your team(should) know you take risks down the order
You have to bat the overs try to hang in there, everyone wants to bat with a player that looks for the ones and twos as well as the boundary.
The above things I'm still working on....
God that was a long reply sorry!
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Topic: Batting in a new role - Role of a number 6 Batsman? (Read 3434 times)