First Batsman
Cricket is, indeed, an interesting game. A look at all the factors surrounding it will make you want to know more about it. First, their distinctively white gaming attire is a sight to behold.
Second, the rules can be such an enigma, especially to the ones watching and playing for the first time. The fascinating part is the way things fall in place, even in the midst of what you might term as a fracas.
On to the batsmen and their way of making the cricket ball squeal and plead for mercy. Your curiosity will be picked even further when you get to understand how the batting order works.
First Batsman
The British prefer to term it as the ‘opening batsman.’ In a cricket match, there is usually a division in which each team has a turn in batting. This is one of the unique parts of this sport.
Batsmen from each team can’t all play at the same time. Someone has to go first and break the ice. This can now be termed as the ‘first batsman.’ So, what’s significant about this position?
The first batsman sets the tone for the rest of the game. He has to put his best foot forward just so his team will follow in his footsteps all through. The entire match will generally be affected by the first batsman’s move in one way or another.
Some factors influence how the first batsman is selected. Among them are;
- The player’s strengths. The captain of the team is tasked with assessing the player’s strengths and weaknesses. They evaluate and then come up with a conclusion that forms a powerful team.
- Comfort. No player can deliver their best results when placed where they don’t feel comfortable. The captain always has to lend a listening ear and have the players’ best interests at heart.
- Attributes and skills. Some players are not new to batting and hold a significant level of skill and merit. These factors go a long way in securing a team’s strong points.
- Team balance. A team can’t be termed as one if the players are excess or less. Numbers play a pivotal role in ensuring that a team is held together.
A first-order batsman is required to be prompt in decision-making. It’s not always certain how things are going to turn out in the course of the game, but he must always be prepared.
Launching an organized and well thought out attack is one of the ways he can defend the vulnerable orders of his team. Not everyone can be a prospective first batsman, as it’s mostly about the attitude.
This is where things are bound to get a bit tricky. A middle-order batsman is usually said to be in this position because they carry on from where the first batsman has left.
They normally occupy the 5th to 7th positions and must be sharpened and skilled in almost all fields of cricket. For this reason, the captain must observe his teammates very keenly.
This is not a position that is reserved for just about any cricket player. Their defense tactics must be up to par since they are sure to face all kinds of bowlers. They carry the rest of the team on their shoulders and must proceed with caution.
A competent middle-order batsman is the one that scores runs with reckless abandon. The essence of these runs is to defend the lower order batsmen from the most formidable bowlers on the pitch.
Wicket-keepers and all-rounders mostly fall under this category because;
- They become overwhelmed. The roles that they play during the opening sequences of the match can be quite exhausting. Occupying the position of middle-order batsmen grants them the much-needed space to catch a breather. Next to the first batsman, their contributions are necessary for a successful match. They sort of lay the foundation in their own ways.
- They are well-versed in maximizing the attractive features of a new ball, so it won’t be too difficult to do so later on. It’s easier to score more runs when playing with a new ball, so who better to take advantage of this situation than wicket-keepers and all-rounders?
- Their ability to fit in any conditions is unmatched. They thrive under any circumstances they find themselves. For instance, fast bowlers pose a threat to batsmen, but it takes a distinguished all-rounder to take them on.
All-rounders usually fit best in the middle order position due to their expertise in calculating the risks involved and countering them. What’s more, you can count on middle-order batsmen to put on their innovative caps and save the team from imminent danger that may arise.
As much as some orders seem more important than others, each of them is vital. Everything falls in place when the players recognize their roles and take them very seriously.
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