The art of batsmanship

When I was reading this fine piece of cricketing literature last week, I found an interesting topic that I wanted to share with the world. This was the legendary English batsman Colin Cowdrey's tips to be a good batsman(assuming the batsman is right-handed). Here they are:

• Build a sound framework: stance, grip, head.


• The first key to batting is the head position


• The stance must be totally relaxed, a leopard waiting to pounce


• The grip should be left hand tight, right hand light(fingers only)


• The head should be erect and still without being stiff and tense.


• The second key to batting is the left shoulder which must lead and take the head to the ball.


• The third key to batting is that the left forearm must control the stroke.


• The back-lift must be stricly controlled and grooved.


• The batsman should have strict rules for starting an innings which should be practised under pressure.


• The eyes must be glued on to the ball until the point of the strike.


• Concentrate on two levels: the next ball and the bigger picture.


• Shot selection must be disciplined and based on pre-planning.


• The batsman must be immune to distractions, which require a thick skin and the ability to neutralise the opposition by wither freezing them out or with a smile.


• Build one brick a time: take the singles.


• Bat in pairs.


• Keep it simple.

When I started playing leather ball cricket around 15-16 years ago, what I missed was a coach who could provide me the tips listed above. If at all I did, I would have become a much better batsman than what I am. So, if you guys know any youngster who is looking promising, pass these tips without fail...