HI heyado,
It sounds like you're on the right track with batting in Boss's cpgv5 patch. I'm no expert, but I tend to find that most shots should be played before the ball pitches. Often a lot earlier than you would expect. However, it also depends on where the ball is pitching. So the same shot seems to have slightly different timing depending on the length of the delivery.
I know exactly what you mean about the straight drive - I often get caught at mid-on or mid-off from mistiming this shot. When you can tell it's pitching in that danger area, try playing the shot a little later. You may not score any runs but at least the ball will travel on the ground to the fielder.
Generally, if you time a shot well it will pierce the field. You don't really need to think about it too much, just try different timings until you get the hang of it. Also, the longer a batsman is at the crease, the more likely that you will pierce the field regularly.
Best tip for Test batting I think is to learn how to play the lofted front- and back-foot cover drives. These shots are pretty much risk free while the CPU is using an attacking field. Look for balls wide of the off stump. These shots will get you boundaries and quickly increase your batsman's confidence.
I am still having a lot of trouble with ODI batting. It seems a lot harder than Test batting. Harder to time all the shots, especially the lofted shots. Although admittedly, I mainly play Tests.
It's kind of funny really - I have no trouble scoring at 6-8 runs an over in a Test (on Hard). But I'm flat out scoring at 4 an over in 50 over ODI's. In fact I'm lucky if I bat out my overs!!! Fortunately, the CPU is not particularly aggresive and is easy to peg down. I have succesfully defended totals from 90 up. My top 50 over ODI score at the moment for cpgv5 is 179
:crying However, i did defend it successfully
So if anyone has any ODI batting tips ... :help
Anyways, I was thinking about experimenting with swapping the batting files. I have already tried a ODI with the Test batting. I didn't bat out my overs, but I was at least able to score at 5-6 an over. I'm wondering how a Test would go with the ODI batting. Might have me scoring at a more realistic 3-4 an over.
Hope this helps m8