Opening the innings tips

[encounter]

Hey guys I have a match coming up this weekend, where i am supossed to open for the first time
I have mostly played one down or in the middle order .. So i am a bit nervous facing the brandnew ball.
Any tips here regarding opening the innings?
Thanks in advance

 

[KashifJ]

Hey guys I have a match coming up this weekend, where i am supossed to open for the first time
I have mostly played one down or in the middle order .. So i am a bit nervous facing the brandnew ball.
Any tips here regarding opening the innings?
Thanks in advance

If you are accustomed to play one down the order then trust me that challenge of opening the innings is not too far away. I am sure you had the scenarios where opening wicket fell very quickly (probably in 1st or 2nd over), so practically you came as opener, right? … I even look at one down as more pressure scenario when early wicket falls vs opening position, where you have bit of extra time to get used to the conditions. I used to bat at no3 for quite some time and then started to open the innings; I personally feel less pressure in opening actually. I like the challenge of finding out what wicket/conditions/bowler has to offer me … I rather open the myth myself (that’s just me)

… The point I am trying to make is that no need to get scared of opening the innings; end of the day it’s the still same cricket ball, may be new but hey its easier to hit the new ball vs when its old, no?

Opening To Do List: (at least mine)

- Relax as much as possible; nerves would be there but use them to kick your adrenaline and think positive only
- Keep your focus on ball and nothing beyond
- Play each ball on its merit only; remember, defending and leaving the good ball is as good as hitting for four (trust me bowlers don’t appreciate if you leave a good ball alone)
- Depending on the wicket & conditions, ball can swing or do movement off the wicket etc. so your job is to judge that and make sure you see that through
- Rotate the strike as much as possible, take singles and do play your shots when you get the opportunity. Take it as baby steps to build the innings, no need to go Afridi mode
- Btw, it just happens naturally that some days I am aggressive in batting as opener and some days my partner is … there is no hard n fast rule for us, but we both stick to our basics and we never complicate things for ourselves in the crease (no unnecessary risks and clear and decisive communication while running)

These are just few basic things to do. I normally go with mindset that we (openers) are THE last batting pair and only we need to take the team through !

Hope that helps

 

[pinger]

Discipline and patience.

Know your game, know what shots you are going to play and which you are not.

Ä wise coach once siad to me "Cricket is not about the shots you can play. It's about the shots you don't play." That is especially true for opening.

Turn the strike over with quick singles. Pressure comes when you are not turning over the strike.

 

[KashifJ]

"Cricket is not about the shots you can play. It's about the shots you don't play."

That is very well said !