So, I had a session and a half of batting in the match I was streaming. Finally, I'm getting there in terms of ability and enjoyment. Although I don't like rushing to judgement it feels like some time at the crease, instead of being skittled for 50, gave me a better chance to evaluate and adapt to batting. There are still some irritations, as there are with bowling:
Batsman getting run out just stood outside his crease.
Keepers teleporting to take catches they shouldn't/wouldn't.
There still needs to be refinements to timing and shot selection in my opinion but putting in the effort is worth it.
I had several rage quits because of dismissals that I wouldn't accept or were unacceptable.
There are probably more issues but I don't want to whine when I've got positive things to say.
Getting in is very hard but when you do (get to the first green colour of confidence) it is very rewarding. It's no longer the 20-30 balls and away you go. Root and Malan were closer to 65-70 balls before I got them into the light green fully confident zone. The Root 50, and 99 partnership with Malan, are probably the hardest fought batting I've had on this or any other BA cricket game. The good was great the bad was not so great. But I do feel like the good is beginning to shine through.
Now, for me anyway, their is a real necessity to get yourself in, just like test cricket. I've always felt it can be too easy to just play shots and score runs regardless with the level of immersion and realism being dependent on how much the individual is prepared to go. I was quite critical about this a while back - maybe I wasn't but I remember thinking it. The game itself is actually bringing a real feel of test cricket, penalties for poor shots or trying too much too quickly and rewards for patience.
Generally I've preferred 50/T20 on DBC17 and Ashes up until now but test cricket feels like it is close to being very enjoyable and worthy of the time investment. Still, I'd say let's hope both those formats can be brought up to the same level.
Yep I am finding straight and extra cover/ cover are far too easily available as a shot and go to the boundary with too much ease for my liking!
