As the Covid cases are dropping I am pretty
optimistic we should have a good cricket
season. COVID-19 didn’t let us work on
our cricket during winters that’s why we have to
play much smart cricket than in past. I am sharing
the few basic guidelines of which you are probably
aware. It will help all the academy and club
cricketers before the season starts. I am pretty sure
if you keep in your mind those simple things it would
help you a bit.
GENERAL LEDGER FOR CRICKET
RUNS SCORED
1, Better running between wickets.
2. Taking singles
3. Turn 1’s into 2’s, 2’s into 3’s
4. Hit bad balls for 4/6
5. Find gaps, not fielders
6. Aware of “Pools” of runs
7. Get out less frequently – lose fewer wickets
8. Batsmen batting through innings
9. Know opposition fielders’ weaknesses.
10. Form partnership.
11. Assess conditions and situations.
12. Aware from start – Don’t waste balls faced.
13. Good communication.
14. Be mentally stronger
(Try to get 5 more at bat)
RUNS CONCEDED
1. Save singles
2. Cut off twos and threes
3. Higher % of catches taken and run outs effected.
4. Cut out extras (no-balls/wides)
5. Back up well.
6. Be more organized in outfield – anticipate in
fielding position.
7. Stay enthusiastic.
8. No angry deliveries.
9. Right fielders in right positions
10. Remain calm and focused – don’t panic.
11. Team work.
12. Don’t have to bowl the opposition out!
13. Bowl tighter lines – one side of wickets.
14. No warm-up deliveries – tight from ball 1.
(Try to concede 5 less in the field)
BATTERS
• Watch the ball harder. Look for the seam. This
is the key to success in just about any situation.
• Get your head in line and stay balanced.
• Work at getting a good strong movement
to the ball either back or forward. This allows
you to play later and therefore watch the ball
longer. Maintain a good balance.
Page: 20 wickets
• Play with soft hands. This will often get you out
of trouble.
• Keep telling yourself to be patient. Realize
the situation is tough and settle in to occupy
the crease rather than dominate the bowling.
• Specifically in games, keep looking for
opportunities to break free. Bowlers get tired
and fielders go to sleep. Chances are always
arising.
BOWLERS
• In tough situations, your ability to control your
stock delivery is terribly important! By definition
it should be the ball you can bowl with most
confidence and as such, you should do so as
often as 20 or more times in a 4 over set.
• Be patient and realize that your natural
variations in line and length will always
challenge the batsman. You are always in with
a chance of getting a wicket!
• Bowl every ball through the batsman to your
keeper. If the wicket is not helpful, this will at least
make the batsman hurry and give you every
opportunity to nip them out.
• Bowl to your field. If you bowl with control, this
will limit the batsman’s scoring opportunities and
encourage him to take risks.
• In general terms always appear to be positive,
confident and interested in contesting the result
– of every contest. This is where training to use
positive body language, positive talk and positive
thinking comes in handy. An individual who is
doing this will be a force to be reckoned with.
• The type of fast bowler you are has more
influence on the line of attack and the field
placing that we have to employ. The length
is more determined by the pitch, state of
ball, batter and conditions. Your line will be
determined by the amount of lateral movement
on the day. More movement – more attacking
and less movement force the batter to play to
your field placing. ( One side of the field )