@Spoobir @cricket_online it's not a question of removing this shot, it was always played frequently by the AI, but the pad physics were nerfed so it never created a chance. the defensive prod edge on to pad (the real source of most bat pads in real life) doesn't seem to exist, so this was the solution to give bat pads and try to give an element of captaincy and thinking of where to place fielders and how much to attack.
BUT, I have to admit it's unbalanced the game, to the point where there's no captaincy again because you of course put in a short-leg and/or silly mid-on whatever the circumstances...
I don't believe the solution is just removing the shot, i think it's to do some or all of the following:
- if possible, randomise the pad physics / spring so more fall short or even fly too quickly. at the moment every one is a "chance", and that shouldn't be so.
- significantly reduce the frequency with which the AI plays the shot, especially against pace bowlers.
- significantly reduce the circle within which a close fielder can take a catch
- EVERY bat pad in manual and semi-auto fielding should be a reaction (mini-game slow mo) catch, and the timing window should be short. in auto fielding, the chances of a drop should be high. currently every "chance" is a wicket, and that shouldn't be so
this will hopefully give us the balance we seek.