Just played first match (PS4) since latest patch, well, first session of a Test. I’m batting first and game is much more real.
Firstly, it rained (Visibly) for first few overs but we played on. It’s cloudy with sun around and the light seems to switch between three shades which, if those clouds keep keeping out the sun then not doing so, is reasonably dynamic.
I’m on Custom Difficulty, not a million miles away from hard. One or two tweaks either way but batting made harder, bowling easier I guess. I lost a couple of wickets with increased difficulty having an effect but they were me getting out as such. I steadied things with a fifty partnership. Lots of threes meanwhile timing of the ball, chances of boundary clearly lower. Not Arcade cricket, much more challenging but still didn’t feel like I would edge defensive shots (Ie still slight lack of threat). I did however edge a slightly wide attempt at a drive that was caught at slip. It was probably my most satisfying moment in Cricket 22 yet, even though it was me getting out! It felt incredibly real, losing wickets, grafting partnership, starting to score easier, push outside off and caught at slip. Even the replay that came up from behind the slip fielder was spot on.
I finished about 120-4 at lunch with a nice contrast partnership going of one player scoring freely and one bedding in. Been good mix of RHB/LHB facing R/L bowlers and scoring/not scoring. SLO bowled good line with field setting not allowing regular easy get out shot to, (think it’s fine leg, behind square on leg side). Bowling line contributed to my scoring being all around the wicket, no leg side glance dominance.
Not sure what this means for shorter formats as batting is definitely Test match vibe. Played some lovely shots, had to work a bit harder and leave ball more, scoring runs more rewarding, good AI lines and field placing. Hugely encouraging… even if I ran a four that was only given as a three!