Cricket, as they say is a batsman's game. Yes, it's a batsman's game and ICC, the international ruling body, is more concerned about the runs that are made and time and again twisted rules and regulations that make a batsman's life more easier.
In the past, many rules have changed that favor the batsman. For instance, powerplay, which imposes field restrictions has direct effects on the bowler's performance.
Apart from this, umpires tend to give many doubtful decisions in favor of the batsman. These makes the life of a bowler really hard and the smartest of the bowler's has to pay for the mistakes of others.
Having said that, a good bowler will not mind these changes and concentrate more on his bowling techniques and look to improve as a bowler by improving his skills.
Some of the greatest bowlers have single-handedly won matches from crunch situations by their sheer awesomeness to surprise the batsman by the wide array of different bowls that they possess. Below are some tips and techniques that any bowler may it be fast bowler or a spin bowler or a medium pace bowler can apply to his game to improve as bowler.
Line and Length
Concentrating on getting your line and length will have the most fruitful results of your efforts. Make the batsman cramp for space to make his shot. Some of the world's most successful bowlers like the greats of Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, Anil Kumble and many more have great control on their line and length.
Getting control of the line and length is the primary aspect of becoming a good bowler. The more you have control on your line and length, the less you will bowl no-ball and wide balls, the better will be your economy rate.
Read the Pitch
The pitch plays a major part in any game of cricket. Study the past records of the pitch and if possible watch televised recordings of the pitch before the match. Bowl according to the pitch and visually identify positions as which will be the most beneficial to bowl.
Stump-to-Stump
One another thing to consider is to bowl stump-to-stump without giving enough space to free the batsman's arms. If the pitch is not giving any assistance to your bowling then bowling stump-to-stump will provide good results. You would certainly be getting hit some out of the park, but it's the case of 'who blinks-the-eye first'. Batsman misses, you hit.
Powerplay and Slog Overs
Powerplays have changed the whole complexion of the game by giving batsman a more free-hand approach in taking shots. And if powerplay comes at the last overs of the game, that is, slog overs then the batsman will try to hit every ball to get as much as runs. At this time mix your bowling with changing the pace of your ball.
Bowl slower balls to work it in your advantage. Bowl some yorkers and surprise the batsman. By this way you can contain the team and add to your wickets tally.
Mark Your Run-up
One other common mistake that bowlers make is they don't mark their run-up. Keep in mind that your run-up is also crucial in making you a good bowler. The run-up should be according to your convenience and in which you feel comfortable.
Mind you, no coach ever will tell about what should be your run-up. Basically it's up to you. Don't change your run-up every time. Yes, it can be adjusted if it's a small ground, but make sure you can bowl comfortably.
Improving Skills in Cricket - The Series
Bowling according to the field
Thinking to get a wicket from every ball will hamper your performance for the bad. Bowl according to field and help your captain to set the right field that suits your bowling.
Getting line and length is the primary thing that any bowler should concentrate on because rest all things will fall in place as you gain more control in your line and length.
I know you might have favorite bowler of your choice, and the one which you want to like. Read as much as possible about them; watch interviews, read interviews, read books on them, imagine you are living with them, and think of what he/she would have done in your place. I'm sure you'll learn much more by this way.
Thinking to get a wicket from every ball will hamper your performance for the bad. Bowl according to field and help your captain to set the right field that suits your bowling.
Getting line and length is the primary thing that any bowler should concentrate on because rest all things will fall in place as you gain more control in your line and length.
I know you might have favorite bowler of your choice, and the one which you want to like. Read as much as possible about them; watch interviews, read interviews, read books on them, imagine you are living with them, and think of what he/she would have done in your place. I'm sure you'll learn much more by this way.
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