Foolproof guidelines for T20 success...

A quick calculation as I checked out the rain interrupted action from Guyana this morning got me thinking. Whilst the storms circled in Georgetown and the players darted for cover, I realized that I have worked on over 150 televised T20 games since they were introduced.

Over half of those were broadcast from the Caribbean but my travels have taken me to all corners of the cricketing globe while commentating, subsequently adding to the knowledge bank. I concluded that my first-hand experience pretty much puts me in pole position when it comes to assessing the intricacies of the shortest format.

Consequently, I reasoned that I should be able to assemble a guideline of bullet points that would stand a team in good stead in all conditions and on all surfaces. Obviously conditions do differ in all countries but some basic principles do apply and should not be deviated from. The overall contributing factor that would enable me to generalise was that in a 40-over total encounter the pitch does not have time to change considerably, as we have seen on occasion during a 50-over-a-side game.

So here goes. Read, discuss, debate and digest!

TEAM STRATEGY:

- The best proven strategy upon winning the toss is to bat first. The only time that may change is when heavy dew is expected, or if rain is looming.
- When batting first realise that generally a par score is 160 and adjust accordingly depending on circumstances as the overs unfold.
- Building off any attained momentum is key.
- Captaincy must be controlled, assertive and calm.
- Know the opposition batsman’s boundary strengths.
- Players must have identified roles.
- Don’t over complicate things. Paralysis by Analysis stifles instinctive cricket.
- Play a naturally aggressive game and keep it simple.
- Never underestimate the element of surprise.

BOWLERS:

- Generally there are three lengths to bowl. Yorkers, just short of a length and bouncers. However, when the ball is new the seam bowlers must take advantage of that initially and swing the ball, therefore necessitating maintaining an enticing length.
- Be aggressive and ensure the fielders possess the same mindset.
- The first and last deliveries of an over are statistically the most expensive so therefore demand greater scrutiny.
- The perfecting of yorkers about a foot outside off stump is beneficial as it severely restricts boundary scoring capabilities.
- No looseners are permitted. The bowlers must be ready immediately to answer a captain’s call at short notice.
- A single is considered the best delivery. It hands over the strike and releases boundary-seeking pressure.
- Death bowling is a very difficult task but it must be embraced.
- Bowlers must have a go-to delivery that they are confident they can fall back on when under the hammer.

BATSMEN:

- An initial spark at the start of an innings is enormously advantageous for impetus.
- A batsman always has more time than is seems. He can take some time initially to settle and play catch-up later. If he can’t do that he should not be playing.
- Statistics prove that the loss of any more than two wickets inside the first six overs spells massive trouble as time to recover is very limited.
- When setting a target you can always afford a late surge after being behind par. However, when chasing you must always be in range of the required run rate.
- Having wickets in hand with six overs to go is always a match-winning advantage.
- When power hitting, batsmen must hit from a stable base and not lose their shape. Should they do so this often results in slogging.
- Every batsman must have a go-to shot - at least one on each side that they know will likely deliver a boundary when it matters.
- Individual brilliance with the willow nearly always wins these games.
- If you are the person in possession ensure you finish your job and don’t leave it to someone else.

Until the completion of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean it will be interesting to see which of the competing teams gets most of the above correct. I will add that a healthy dose of luck is always welcome in this format but there has been enough introspection now to know there are fundamentals that spell success.

Enjoy the game!!