Hurricane
Hall of Fame Member
Rather than starting this thread with words I have started it with the video that is most often trotted out when the role of the bouncer is discussed.
I will make three points about good use of bouncers in this thread and two points against them and then get opinions on how you think the bouncer should be used in tests.
Point A - watch that video it speaks for itself.
Point B - you can't score off them so they dry up the run rate. The blackcaps were 130 odd for 2 vs Sri Lanka in our 1st innings of the last test and then SL started bowling bouncers. They got their full quota of two bouncers in for 10 overs straight and wickets started to fall, Part of that was bad batsmanship. Part of it was some useful deliveries. But part of it was drying up our scoring options and getting us thinking defensively by bowling bouncers, The bouncers were definitely part of the equation that led to our downfall. Or maybe they were just a coincidence you can argue that in your response.
Point B - Many a rash batsman has taken on a bouncer only to be caught in the deep. In the last test (again SL vs the blackcaps) Rutherford was bounced out and Kane was dropped from a bouncer.
So in the light of those three points bouncers seem terrific and you should fill your boots.
But consider
A) Most top order batsman these days aren't stupid like Rutherford and won't take the ball on so it can seem like a waste of time against the best in the world. Wouldn't you be better off pitching it up and going for a bowled or an lbw,
B) How many bouncers has an experienced player like a Chris Rogers faced in their lives - is it even possible to worry someone like them
Look bouncers have been around since the 1800s. They definitely have a role but how are they best used...When should they be used to maximum effect. When are they wasted. Does it matter when in the over they are used...What have been some of the more interesting uses of bouncers over the years,
There are two exceptions I want to avoid in this discussion:
Bouncers against tail enders because then it is just a given it is a good option
Bouncers at extreme pace say over 150kms because then even the best in the world will get hurried. The discussion is more around the role of the bouncer for a regular test level quick bowler.