Full throttle cricket

The Standard Bank Pro20 series is off and sprinting.

The first two games provided intriguing action and the odd spark, but after game three the new version of ‘rock and roll’ cricket is suffering from a severe case of spontaneous combustion.

Three hundred and sixty six runs were scored in the allotted forty overs at an average of over nine runs per over. How’s that for compulsive viewing?

The Eagles had obviously done their homework under the new reigns of Nicky Boje and along with two scintillating performances from Loots Bosman and Lance Klusener they provided us with a spectacle that will be discussed for years to come. It was simply breathtaking and exactly what was needed to elevate the format to the desired level.

Speculation has been rife since the first ball was bowled about the various strategies that need to be implemented to play this version. It was always going to be a case of learning and adopting ideas as the games progressed and taking advantage of errors made previously.

So how do you play this game? Here are my top 10 tips.

Win the toss and bowl first during day/night encounters. Both teams will be batting under lights but the side batting first will have to put up with half darkness initially. Facing a swinging, zipping brand new white Kookaburra during the ‘twilight zone’ will always be testing.

When batting it is important to note that fielding restrictions are in place for only 7 overs. Only 2 fielders are allowed outside the inner circle during that time so it must be taken advantage of. It is imperative that a pinch hitter is used at the start of the innings to hit the ball ‘over the top’ for maximum effect.

Don’t lose wickets early and set yourself a target of between 60 – 70 runs in the first 10 overs.

Wickets in hand for the last 10 overs is the key to batting in this format and should that position be achieved, you should be able to go at 9 or 10 runs per over to climb the score to 160 –170 after 20 overs. Remember with the security of wickets in hand, the occasional big over will present itself.

If a bowler, who can only bowl a maximum of 4 overs is economical, keep him on. Anyone will get tapped at the death.

Don’t be afraid of introducing a surprise element and give a tidy part-timer one over out of the blue. By the time the batsmen have come to grips with this tactic the over will be finished.

Key fielders must be boundary riders later in the innings. Speed to the ball and a good arm will prevent the odd extra run….. maybe the difference!

Don’t waste your hitters. Try and combine them at opportune times with controlled strikers to seize the initiative over a short period of say 5 overs. If possible use them in tandem with a left handed batsman if they are right handed as the bowlers line will always be under severe scrutiny when ‘on the charge’.

Whether you are a bowler, batsman or a captain, don’t get caught up in the frenetic pace. Slow the game down to your speed within reason. There is always more time than you think.

As a seam bowler in this format you are often on a hiding to nothing. A subtle change of pace is paramount without becoming predictable. Also do not forget your weapon of surprise and deliver the odd bouncer as batsmen will often look to get on to the front foot.

Oh yeah…….. I forgot another one. Good luck if Zulu is 22 yards away!