[Dan]

Originally Posted by a1m

Hello,

I figured, it's time to get help as I have been struggling to play certain deliveries. Little background on me as it may or may not be relevant. I used to bat # 6 or 7. My main task was to hit the ball. But, I was never really satisfied as a hitter. I always wanted to play strokes with straight bat. So around 4 or 5 years ago I set out to learn how to play with straight bat.

Now, I would say I am very strong playing shots on front foot when the ball's line is on the offside. But my weak spots have always been balls delivered on middle stump and leg stump.

Today on net practice I was constantly beaten by someone throwing balls on middle and mostly leg stumps. More importantly these were good length deliveries. By the time the ball reached me it was right around my upper chest height. I was blocking them but eventually my fear overtook my blocking.

So my question on, how would you recommend playing these type of deliveries.

Couple of other important notes:
-I usually go as an opener.
-The pitches are cement based (concrete) with some type of green mats on them.

Thanks

I'm an opening batsman who only plays on astroturf too

Okay, the description you're giving is more of short pitched bowling, compared to good length, but on concrete pitches there isn't much difference.

The key to stuff that's aimed at your body is simply to back yourself to get into position. Start off with the basic back-and-across movement. Your back foot should be going back into the crease and across in line with your off stump (more or less). The key is getting your head in line with the ball.

Once you get the footwork right and are confident in your ability to move properly when facing bowling, get someone to throw these problem deliveries at you. Work on getting your head in line with the ball, and bringing the bat up in front of you. Keep your front elbow up to angle the bat and keep the ball down.

Then, once you've worked out the defence and gain some confidence, you can start trying to introduce the pull shot, or even just a flick into the leg side.

Last thing, I know it seems scary having balls bowled at you at pace, but if you do everything properly and get into the right position, you're less likely to be hit than if your panicking and jumping around all over the place. And if they can't get you out with the short stuff, they'll start pitching it up and bowling to your strength