1. Batting first
The batting team should always
bat first in any cricket match. This is because they are the ones who have the
best chance of winning the game. They have the advantage of scoring runs before
their opponents can score runs. So, if you want to win a cricket match, then
you should always bat first.
2. Bowling first
If you are bowling first, then
you should bowl the most overs possible. This will give your opponent less time
to score runs. So, you should try to bowl as many balls as possible.
3. Fielding first
Fielding first means that you
should field the ball at the batsman. This gives you the opportunity to stop
the batsmen from scoring runs. So, if your opponent is fielding first, then you
should try to hit the ball hard.
4. Keeping wicket
Keeping wicket means that you
should stand behind the stumps. This will help you to catch the ball if it
comes towards you. So, if you are keeping wicket, then you should move around a
little bit.
5. Run Rate
Run rate is defined as the
number of runs scored divided by the number of overs completed. A team scoring
200 runs should have a higher run rate than a team scoring 100 runs. It is
calculated using the following formula:
Total Runs Number of Overs + Extras + Boundary Breaks /
Total No. of Overs
6. Batting Average
Batting average is a commonly
used measure of batting performance. The batting average is calculated using
the formula 1/runs batted in.
7. Strike Rate
Strike rate measures the
frequency at which a batsman makes contact with the ball and scores runs.
8. Batting Power play
Power plays generally give the
batting team a chance to score runs at their optimum pace and take advantage of
any mistakes from the bowling side. There are two types of power plays; full and
partial. A full power play gives both teams 15 overs between innings, while a
partial power play gives only 12 overs per team. Full power plays are often used
in Test matches, where they are known as Super Overs, while partial power plays are usually used in One Day Internationals or Twenty-20 internationals.
9. Bowling
Bowling power plays allow
bowlers to control the flow of play by reducing the number of balls bowled per
over, usually down to 4 balls instead of 6. This allows spinners to dominate
play and slow down batsmen without having to risk being hit for sixes. When
using a bowling power play, a team gets 10 fewer balls to score their runs and
the opposition gets a shorter time to bat. Full bowling power plays tend to be
used in Tests and One Day Internationals, while partial bowling power plays are
used in T-20 internationals.
10. Extras
Extras are extra balls granted
to the fielding team in order to stop the game running away from them. They may
be awarded when the fielding side needs 30+ runs but has less than 20 overs
left, or to save a wicket. They can also be granted after a certain number of
overs to add some excitement to the match by ensuring that no runs are scored.
11. Fielding Changes
Fielding changes are special
rules which change the shape of the pitch. Usually a fielding change will occur
in response to an injury to a fielder, or in extreme cases when a player is
badly missed. Commonly used field changes include moving the goalposts
backwards, removing one corner of the boundary fence, or adding a new target to
the goalposts.
12. Batting first
If possible, batting first
should be preferred for a team that is struggling to score runs. This gives the
batsmen ample time to settle down and play their strokes. However, this is only
applicable for a game with low scoring rates. As soon as the bowlers begin to
attack, they should be put under pressure.
13. Bowling first
Bowling first is ideal for a
team whose run rate is already above average but needs some support from its
bowlers. Once again, bowling first is suitable for a lower scoring game. While
this strategy works wonders, it is best used once the opposition batsmen are
settled.
14. DRS
The Decision Review System
(DRS) gives umpires the authority to review decisions that were incorrect. When
a fielder catches a ball cleanly and then drops it while running between
wickets, he can be awarded a catch. However, when the bowler bowls, the umpire
cannot award him a caught behind. Instead, the umpire can request a review
after the decision was called wrong.
15. Fielding
Fielding mistakes lead to
dismissals. A direct hit can result in wides being given out. An overthrow can
result in a run out. And a leg bye can result in a single running through extra
cover. The fielding coach must work hard to prevent these errors.
16. Batting first
This method is used when the
batting team is expected to score at least 250 runs in the allotted overs. This
is usually done before lunch after both teams have completed their innings.
Generally, this would mean the fast bowlers would be rested until later.
17. Spin bowling
Spin bowling is commonly known
as reverse swing bowling. When spinners throw the ball at different speeds,
they create varying amounts of turn and lift. This makes the ball curve in
various directions. Reverse swing is achieved when the ball spins towards the
batsman and gets faster while moving forwards. This causes the ball to dip
under the bat and hit the stumps.
18. Bowling a maiden over
A maiden refers to a bowler who
has not taken any wickets in his/her previous matches. A team may decide to
bowl a maiden over to rest its bowlers and save their best players for the
remaining overs.
19. Fielding
Fielding is the act of
preventing the scoring of runs from occurring by catching a ball coming down
the ground. The fielding team tries to prevent catches being taken on the
boundary line by placing themselves in positions where balls are likely to pass
through gaps between fielders. Fielding is usually done when the team is
chasing large scores and the opposition captain decides to declare the innings
early.
20. Batting First
When chasing score, the batsman
should bat first. The best batsmen always think before they play their shots.
They try to stay in front of the ball and wait till the bowler releases his
ball. This is called 'blocking' and it is one of the most effective batting
techniques.
21. Dummy Run
Dummy runs are used to stop the
bowling attack from getting momentum. When you are facing pressure from the
opposition team, you can block the ball and throw it back to the wicketkeeper.
He will then throw the ball back at the bowler who will then bowl again to the
same batsman. There are many variations of dummy run. One example is when you
want to distract the bowler while he is waiting for the ball to bounce. The
batsman can fake a shot and throw the ball towards the fielders. This would
force the bowler to change his line and length of the ball. A different
variation is when you throw the ball to the fielder at the point where the
bowler expects him to throw the ball back. Even though this technique looks
simple, it works very well.
22. Reverse Sweep
The reverse sweep is one of the
oldest batting strokes known to man. It was practiced by all forms of batsmen.
This stroke involves swinging the bat backwards. Many great Indian Test
cricketers were master of the reverse sweep. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid,
Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly etc are some of the top names who have used
this stroke effectively.
23. Over Head Cover Drive
This is another good method to beat the bowling attack. It requires a strong wrist movement which helps in hitting the ball over head. So, what is the difference between cover drive and slog sweep? Basically, it is the height of the ball which is hit. 'Slog' means low, whereas 'cover' means high. Just like a tennis player hits the ball, the batsman needs to hit the ball over the head. This stroke can be played only when the ball is pitched somewhere around knee level or higher. Most of the time, the pitch is too low for this stroke to work.
