Shorter matches usually make for more attacking shots as batsman have less opportunity to score runs. Longer test matches that can go for up to five days tend to result in more defensive plays.
Prevent the ball from hitting the wicket. Avoid being hit in the legs by the ball in front of the wicket. This may result in the batsman being out by leg before wicket. Avoid giving catches to any fielders on the field. Avoid edging the ball to the wicket-keeper.
Lean your head and front shoulder forward. Take a step with the front foot while keeping the back leg straight. [1] X Research source Swing the bat downward and contact the ball as it passes below the eyes. Keep the bat angled so the face is toward the ground. The bat should end up slightly ahead of your front leg and close the side of the pad. Do not follow through. Keep the heel of your back foot off the ground and hold the position to have the best chance to block the ball.
Lean forward and step with your front foot. Bend your front knee. This will give you a solid base for the shot. Your head should ahead or level with the front knee and your back foot should be up on the toe during the swing. Swing the bat straight and contact the ball when it is below the eyes. Keep your wrists relaxed and the bat angled to keep the drive low. Follow through should continue on a straight path so that the bat face is toward the sky.
Lean your head and front shoulder forward. Stride with your front foot so the pad is in the path of the ball. Drop your back knee to the ground. Lift the bat to a high backswing then bring the bat down and across the body. Strike the ball in front of the pad. Roll your wrists slightly when you make contact to angle the ball downward. Follow through. Bring your hands around after striking the ball so they end up near your front shoulder with the bat held high in the air.
Lean forward with your head and front shoulder. Shift your weight to your front leg. Bring the bat straight through. Angle the bat face slightly toward your front leg during the stroke. Make contact in front of the front leg pad. Flick your top wrist to glance the shot downward. This shot relies on control and precision to deflect the ball as opposed to a powerful swing.
Step back towards the wickets with your back foot. Keep your back leg inside the line of the ball. Keep your head forward and your back foot flat on the ground. Move your front foot toward the back leg with your front foot pointed at the bowler. Keeping the arms in a high position, swing the bat straight down. Angle the bat toward the ground and strike the ball when it is below the eyes.
Quickly move both legs back toward the stumps. Keep your back leg in line with the ball. Angle your body to face toward the bowler. Swing the bad straight through. Turn the face slightly toward your leg side and strike the ball in front of the body. Roll your top wrist over to control the ball and angle it toward the ground. The top hand grip can remain loose or tight depending on how fine or square the batter wants the ball to be. [3] X Research source
Step backwards and across the stump with the back foot. Begin your backswing by turning your front shoulder while bringing the bat back. Swing the bat down and across the body. Get your arms fully extended to generate maximum power. Roll your hands slightly to angle the ball downwards. Continue the
Bring your front foot back as you begin your backswing. [4] X Research source Keep your weight slightly on your front leg. And keep the bat in line with the delivery of the ball. Keep the bat straight as you begin your swing. Use your top hand to control the swing and provide the power by pushing through with your bottom hand. Follow through bringing your hands high above your front shoulder.
Step back and across with your back foot. This will open up your chest slightly toward the bowler. Move your front leg back and out toward the leg side. Bring your body around while keeping your eyes on the ball. Swing the bat across the body at a slight downward angle. Keep your arms fully extended and roll the wrists on contact to help keep the ball down.
Stand on a balanced back foot. Place the front foot up to the toes (padded portion) vertical or upright. Hold the bat horizontally close to the pitch by the phase of the bat in an opposite manner. Move the bat to the offside so that the ball is struck the instant it touches the ground.
