Setting up the batsman on a flat track

As a bowler, you are there to take as many wickets for as few runs as possible. Simple stuff indeed, but what do you do when the wicket is as a flat as a pancake and the batsman is going at it like Gordon Greenidge at Lord’s in 1984?

It might not be the best idea to do an Andre Nel and snarl and grunt at the batsman; however it might tempt the batsman into losing his concentration. Do you continue your line and length and bore the batsman out? Well, that’s not going to work on a flat track, is it, as the batsman will know exactly where the next ball will be bowled. Could you be thinking of a slower ball perhaps? That indeed might be a good option as your Jonty Rhodes-type fielder might take up a sharp catch in the covers from a mistimed drive.

However, the best option is a combination of the above. By bowling line and length, you are creating a comfort zone for the batsman as he is eating into your line and length on the flat track. The batsman is fast creating blinkers to himself, and perhaps becoming too comfortable with your bowling. Now this is when you can strike with a very different type of ball … either a slower ball, yorker, or probably the best - the bouncer. Essentially, you should think of lulling the batsman into a false sense of security by bowling line and length, and then putting in a change-ball ... meaning a ball that is different in either pace of length.

The bouncer is probably the best option after the batsman has been, most likely, driving your line and length. His weight will be surging forward on each ball, and a short ball [aim for just around the heart to chin area] should do the trick and induce an error from our run-hungry friend. This is because the short ball should be played with the weight on the back foot, and things go haywire when it's played on the front foot. Hopefully that top edge will fly straight up in the air and down into the gloves of your keeper.

The key to all bowling is to have a plan. Don't just run in and bowl. Where will you bowl? What line, what length? Are you looking to swing or seam the ball, and if so, which way? Yes, it sounds complicated and that is why sticking to line and length keeps things simple ... and can help you trick the batsman. So get working on that change-ball!