Hitting the straps from the word go

Test cricket is the pinnacle of all cricket, and everytime the fortunate talented few set onto that field they know the world and all is watching them. They have a duty to perform for their country and for the sport as a whole. We are shown majestic and tantalising tricks and moments, and also stuff that belongs to the village green.

That is why we need to learn everything from them … Dennis Lillee used to say he wanted his first ball to be as fast as his last and boy was that guy prepared to win the second he stepped onto the field. Old D.K. never bowled any looseners. He knew it was Test cricket and the highest standard known to all, and everytime he had a point to prove. Every ball he was gunning for a wicket and he was not there as practice for the batsman. He had done his limbering-up well before stepping on to the pitch.

The key word is preparation, and whether you are playing your 1st Test or your 92nd… that first ball that you send down should be as fast and as energetic as the last ball you send down. That first ball should make the batsman play and put him under pressure from ball one. That first ball should set the tone that you as the bowler mean business - be it Test cricket or village cricket, you are there to get that batsman out. So use every single ball and don’t waste any when loosening up.

The best example of the wrong example is ‘that ball’ from Steve Harmison that went straight to his mate at second slip, Andrew Flintoff. The direction used was evidently not up to scratch and poor Harmison struggled to find his radar until late in the 2005 Ashes … by which point it was well over. Direction is not the only skill a fast bowler needs, pace being just as key too. England recently dropped Matthew Hoggard on their tour in New Zealand after the first Test as he was simply down on pace and therefore down on preparation. Some viewed it as a bit tough for the England veteran, but it certainly wasn’t tough for the New Zealand openers facing him as they proceeded to paste him and seal the match.

There are therefore lessons to be learned from our idols. Yes they will show how to do it, but they will also show you how not to do it. So before you get onto the field, make sure you are warmed up and ready to go from ball one. After all, this is not practice or a tea-party … this is cricket and you win, lose or draw on preparation. You aren’t playing for yourself, but for your team-mates too. So don’t be selfish, be ready to turn the pressure on and up!