Play it well!
Updated On: 01 February, 2024 06:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Ian Chappell
It’s never a good idea to put your trust in a short ball’s behaviour. The preferred method is easier if you play the horizontal bat shot off the back foot as it’s more natural to move into the correct position
Listen to this article :
Australia’s Usman Khawaja is hit by a Shamar Joseph delivery during Day Three of the Adelaide Test against WI recently. Pic/Getty Images
I once asked former Australian Grand Slam winning tennis player John Newcombe about serve-volleying on clay. “Serve-volleying is a state of mind,” replied Newcombe, “you have to be prepared to be passed from time to time.”
This was an interesting reply and I thought, “That’s like playing short-pitched bowling.” As a young cricketer you have to learn how to play short-pitched bowling. On reaching international level you have to have a plan for playing the short ball. Any plan, whether it’s attacking or conservative, should involve a positive state of mind but it also includes keeping your eye on the ball. If you take your eye off the ball it can be a painful experience as Usman Khawaja discovered at the Adelaide Oval, where West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph hit him on the jaw.
Read Next Story
Trending Stories
Latest Photos
Latest Videos
Latest Web Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-Day Fast
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT