Opening the batting - Page 2

**Mousey** · 13 Jan 2009, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddiesmith

So thats why I suck at opening

I gave up opening this year after a couple of years of mixed results as I much prefer facing the spinners

My main problem was I like to attack, but it was hard to know when to attack and when not to, whether to go all out early or build and if there was any swing, couldnt hit em anyway and would get tied up

Same with me mate. That's why I try to come in between 5 and 8 as much as possible. Never been good at opening or coming in at 3.

eddiesmith · 13 Jan 2009, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mousey

Same with me mate. That's why I try to come in between 5 and 8 as much as possible. Never been good at opening or coming in at 3.

Thats where I like to bat, my captain doesnt agree, its either open or 8 and below, I originally took up opening as no one likes to do it and it beats no11

Plus I made runs the first time I did. This year I have held onto no8 after giving up the opening, but I fear I'm about to go down even though the captain and the other batsmen bar 2 above me are all failing every innings

I want to bat 4-5 because thats where I have done my best work in the past but the captain has a short memory

Plus I am our sides equal best player of spin and most of those above me cannot play them, a spinner always tears us apart

Quote:

Originally Posted by mas cambios

You do need to consider the bigger picture but that can be daunting at times. I tend to break the game down into 5/10 over spells, set a target and then re-assess.

If you're ahead of the run rate you can back down a little, if you're behind then speed thigngs up. The little targets make the game easy to digest and can help confidence as each one is reached and passed.

Thats great advice, definately something I should be doing now, atm I come in needing 100 off 14 overs or something with few wickets in hand, i should be using targets then definately, instead I just try to hit every over for the required run rate

Atleast if I broke it into targets I could think ok, get 15 off the spinner and 2-3 off the quick I cant hit

**Mousey** · 13 Jan 2009, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddiesmith

Thats where I like to bat, my captain doesnt agree, its either open or 8 and below, I originally took up opening as no one likes to do it and it beats no11

Plus I made runs the first time I did. This year I have held onto no8 after giving up the opening, but I fear I'm about to go down even though the captain and the other batsmen bar 2 above me are all failing every innings

I want to bat 4-5 because thats where I have done my best work in the past but the captain has a short memory

Plus I am our sides equal best player of spin and most of those above me cannot play them, a spinner always tears us apart

Same with me mate. I perform well at 5 or 6 usually, sometimes 7, and I play spin very well. I have some trouble with leggies who can turn the ball a heap but I usually just leave it or, if its on the legs play a simple stroke that shouldn't get me out. That's why I like middle order, you can play spin and you sometimes get the medium pacers too. Opening is too difficult.

siddle2franklin · 13 Jan 2009, 20:20

these are all the reasons i bat at number 11 doesnt get any betteri reckon, thats just me though

MV! · 13 Jan 2009, 21:19

Self confidence.

If you're opening the batting against a brand new pill, regardless of how flat or difficult the wicket is, the second self doubt creeps in, you're a goner. An opening batsman can be technically perfect, have a fantastic temperement and do all the right things (i.e. break the game down into small targets, etc), but if they aren't entirely positive about their own abilities, all that other stuff is meaningless.

If you look at international cricket - there are very few international opening batsman that are technically perfect. The best in the last 10 years (i.e. Sehwag, Smith, Hayden, Langer, Trescothick, etc.) have hardly been the most technically proficient batsman in their sides - instead they've been supremely confident, and never let themselves think about going out.

eddiesmith · 14 Jan 2009, 00:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mousey

Same with me mate. I perform well at 5 or 6 usually, sometimes 7, and I play spin very well. I have some trouble with leggies who can turn the ball a heap but I usually just leave it or, if its on the legs play a simple stroke that shouldn't get me out. That's why I like middle order, you can play spin and you sometimes get the medium pacers too. Opening is too difficult.

Leg Spinners who turn it heaps I find the easiest as long as you dont lose your cool, if its outside leg stump and really spinning then no need to play at really, if its short then try and put it away but I mostly wait untill they toss it up too full or give you width on the off side

We have one in our side and I amazed at the wickets he gets, batsmen see spinner and think slog, they will usually get quite a few runs off him but they dont pick the ball to attack, they attack em all and eventually get out

grapedo · 14 Jan 2009, 01:08

I opened but it was easy as my opening partner was a rep opener so all I did was rotate the strike and we put on a partnership of 46 against the best team in the comp.

So I can open as long as the other opener is a gun.

Big_Dorez · 19 Jan 2009, 07:40

im pretty proud, my first game of junior cricket i opened the batting in a 30/30 and didnt where i thigh-pad. Got copped a ripper on the thigh from the oppositions captain. I soon learnt my lesson. Second top scored for out team with 7 lol, pretty terrible team. made 60 and the tohet eam went on to make 160, terrible terrible team with only 6 good players and 10 shithouse ones. we have a team of 16

blaster · 19 Jan 2009, 23:42

i am 14.
last season i was opening for the u13s and i made scores of 21no 24no 15 18 23 25 and 30 which is a fairly good season.
now for th u15s i open with my highest score being 5.
the problem is i never know when top start the playing shots.
it is a 50 over game so does anyone have any advice on how to play the opening bowlers and when to attack?

grapedo · 19 Jan 2009, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by roylandroos

i am 14.
last season i was opening for the u13s and i made scores of 21no 24no 15 18 23 25 and 30 which is a fairly good season.
now for th u15s i open with my highest score being 5.
the problem is i never know when top start the playing shots.
it is a 50 over game so does anyone have any advice on how to play the opening bowlers and when to attack?

The first few overs you shouldn't be looking to score unless the oppurtunity presents itself.

Once you have faced around 20 balls your eye should be in. You will know when your eye is in becuase you will be finding the middle even when defending and you will be seeing it well. Once your eye is in you then can start to attack don't go overboard just look to score of every ball.