|
|
|
Cricket is a batsman's game. The rules are certainly tilted in the
batsman's favour and the crowds prefer to watch a batsman destroying an
attack far more than the reverse scenario.
Much of batting, like any other aspect of the game, is played out in the
mind. Apart from basic technique, the ability to plan an innings and adapt
to the different conditions and situations that may be confronted in the
middle are paramount.
The basic elements of batting are the grip, the stance and the back lift.
Once these are got out of the way, an aspiring batsman can learn the wide
range of strokes which makes batting such a pleasing spectacle.
The art of executing elegant drives, delicate cuts and ruthless pulls are
all described in detail but batting is not just about offensive strokes. As
the old saw goes, defence can sometimes be the best form of attack and the
forward and backward defences are just as important weapons in every
batsman's armoury. Classic examples of these shots by some of the best
batsmen in the game today are on view here.
|
|
Gear
Cricket bat
Protective gear
Shoes
Basic techniques
Grip
Stance
Backlift
Taking Guard
Defensive strokes
Front foot defence
Backfoot Defence
Drives
Off Drive
Straight Drive
On Drive
Lofted Drive
Horizontal bat shots
Square Cut
The Pull
The Hook
|