Ok have seen a lot of people who really seem to be struggling with batting and whilst I am "no Don Bradman" I very rarely get out for less than 30 and have made some good solid innings so Thought I might offer my thoughts that may help some people who are having lots of issues.
1. Know where the fielders are. When you come to the crease check the field. At the start of each over check the field. If you see a cut seen (fielding change) check the field. You need to play to the gaps or defend especially when you arn't set.
2. Know your bread and butter shots. I.e what you know you can keep on the deck. While you are getting set, wait for the right ball to try and score your runs.
3. Dont be afraid to play the support role. If you come in and your AI partner is set, let him go. The run rate will flow and you can turn the singles over till you are set.
4. Dont auto hit and run. Dont be fooled by a well times shot.Wait till you are sure the run is safe. Watch the ball, make sure there is no fielder who will run you or your batting partner out. Taking one less run is better than being out.
5. Understand the fundamentals of Batting and use it. Have patience. I.e If the field is to tight on the off side, Block it out until you get the right ball. Dont start trying to take balls from outside off to the onside etc or vice versa. Once you are well set you can become more aggressive.
6. Sight each new bowler. When the bowler changes tone down your aggression till you know what he is going to bowl. Even if you are well set a change in speed, length etc can make you come unstuck really quick when you are used to the previous bowling.
7. Defend with a straight bat. Sounds simple but the analogs are easy to push slightly off to each side. Defend the shot with a straight bat to the line of the ball. Personally for the first 20 or 30 balls, I have the defense button pushed prior to the ball being bowled. If its a bad ball I let it off and play a stroke. ( I dont tend to do this in T20's or ODI's as much.
8 Finally know the game situation. There are some 4 day games etc you are only going to be batting for a draw.
Batting is hard in this game but its rewarding. I hope the above may help some people.
1. Know where the fielders are. When you come to the crease check the field. At the start of each over check the field. If you see a cut seen (fielding change) check the field. You need to play to the gaps or defend especially when you arn't set.
2. Know your bread and butter shots. I.e what you know you can keep on the deck. While you are getting set, wait for the right ball to try and score your runs.
3. Dont be afraid to play the support role. If you come in and your AI partner is set, let him go. The run rate will flow and you can turn the singles over till you are set.
4. Dont auto hit and run. Dont be fooled by a well times shot.Wait till you are sure the run is safe. Watch the ball, make sure there is no fielder who will run you or your batting partner out. Taking one less run is better than being out.
5. Understand the fundamentals of Batting and use it. Have patience. I.e If the field is to tight on the off side, Block it out until you get the right ball. Dont start trying to take balls from outside off to the onside etc or vice versa. Once you are well set you can become more aggressive.
6. Sight each new bowler. When the bowler changes tone down your aggression till you know what he is going to bowl. Even if you are well set a change in speed, length etc can make you come unstuck really quick when you are used to the previous bowling.
7. Defend with a straight bat. Sounds simple but the analogs are easy to push slightly off to each side. Defend the shot with a straight bat to the line of the ball. Personally for the first 20 or 30 balls, I have the defense button pushed prior to the ball being bowled. If its a bad ball I let it off and play a stroke. ( I dont tend to do this in T20's or ODI's as much.
8 Finally know the game situation. There are some 4 day games etc you are only going to be batting for a draw.
Batting is hard in this game but its rewarding. I hope the above may help some people.