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Q: After 5 scores below 10 at the end of the season what advice or strategies could people offer for me to work on during the off season.
I’m 17 and was batting 4 and I really want to be a lot more confident at the start of next season.
A: Hi Nick,
You’ve been given great advice.
However, try not to over complicate things. You’ve probably heard the saying “see ball hit ball” it could be as simple as that with a few things to keep in mind when you go out to bat.
1) Try be calm when at the crease and enjoy spending time at the crease without putting pressure on yourself for scoring a certain amount of runs. Enjoy being at the crease and runs will come.
2) Keep your head still. Focussing on keeping your head still keeps your eye on the ball and balanced.
3) Get a good balanced stance with weight going right through the middle of your feet. Having a good foundation helps with your movements.
4) Having your weight going towards the ball regardless what side of the wicket is key for timing/power.
5) Enjoy the game!
You’re at the start of your career, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
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Q: Rhys Soper - my best captain
It brings a smile to my face thinking about the skippers I played with as they all had different approaches to the game but the one trait, they all had in common was, leadership!
The very first captain I played with in senior cricket was Terry Walters, brother of Australian Test cricketer, Doug Walters.
Terry was a hard-hitting right-hand batsman that I looked up to. I was only 15 when I made by debut playing first grade for Raymond Terrace and Terry made me feel like I belonged.
Terry (TW) knew how to apply pressure better than any other captain I played under. He was very particular with field positions and would not start until everyone was EXACTLY where he wanted them.
His leadership skills were second to none with everyone in the team knowing their roles and were kept accountable.
Another captain I loved playing under was Todd (Soupie) Campbell (pictured). I grew up playing with Soupie and have the honour of calling him a great mate still to this day. The challenge for Soupie was the team he captained (Hamilton Wickham) was full of big personalities. Most of the team grew up playing cricket with one another at an early age and we were and still are all great mates.
The other challenge for him was that the team was extremely successful in the Newcastle competition winning multiple premierships, Tom Locker Cups and SCG Cups. But year after year the fire was there to keep getting the most of each player to do it again and again.
Soupie in my mind was a great leader. He was one of the boys but also had a good head on his shoulders that kept everyone in line and focused on the job at hand. Could win a toss as well!
Played with many more captains including the NSW skipper at the time, Phil Emery. Had the privilege of playing a game with Mark Taylor and would love to have played more with him as I could see the respect he had with the group. Anyway, thanks again as it was great to reminisce thinking of great times with great leaders.
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Q: Does the captain of a cricket team have to be the best player in the team?
A: Not necessarily but in my opinion should be one of the top tier players for the longevity in the role.
For teams to prosper you need stability. So if there is a leader that is only borderline up to the the grade then their teams are assuming it’s a “do as I say not as I do” scenario.
Only my personal preference but I like it to be the best player as the actually walk the talk. Steve Waugh is a perfect example. You know that he won’t give an inch and plays the game hard and to a certain standard leading the way. It would be hard not to follow.
Vijay Chandra
12 months ago
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Q: My son is 14 and I want to help him play the pull and hook shots the right way. Is it better to teach him to play the shots with his hands coming up under the ball or try and get his hands up higher and over the ball so he has a better chance to hit the ball along the ground?
A: Firstly, great work Marcus on being there and helping your son. Great memories for later in life!
Without seeing your sons set up it is a little difficult to answer. If your son has a high bat lift then it would be easier for him to play the ball to ground. If he has a low bat lift it would be easier for him to come up under the ball.
Looking at the modern player, they have their hands high (almost like a base baller) which has them in a good position for these two shots.
Key points:
1) Head still
2) Momentum goes towards where hitting the ball
3) Hands high early
4) watch the ball onto the bat
5) Try getting inside the line of the ball.
Good luck and stay with it.
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Q: What is the most surreal moment you've experienced in cricket?
A: Being selected in the NSW squad for two season through a great era of cricket was great. But actually telling my parents will be a memory I will never forget as they were my biggest fans.
As a team the greatest feeling I had was playing on the SCG with my club winning the SCG Cup. Not having the best game personally but still enjoyed the day seeing my mates on this great ground.
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