ECB Coaches Association links Inside Edge 6 May 2018 | Page 52

CHESS ON GRASS

There is a danger the modern one day players have too many options up
their sleeve. Of course, a bower operating at the death will need a minimum
of two or three options, but if they have too many variations their thinking
will get confused. What you really needed is two or three really nailed on
skills, and be clear about your own game. For batters, you need to know
how you manipulate any delivery into specific gaps around the field. How is
an individual going to adapt to get bat on ball and move the fielders about?
Needs must in a game. It does not have to look pretty, but it is all about being
ruthlessly effective. Can you sweep? Can you hit the full delivery wide of off
stump over point for six?

The best decision makers tend to be the players who have best awareness
of their own game, and their strengths. You need to know exactly what tools
you have in the bag to get the job done. The analogy of top golfers knowing
exactly what club to select for a certain shot, taking all the relevant factors like
wind, state of the fairway, what par is, etc is obvious. In cricket we have a little
less time to take these decisions, but it is the same process. Like golfers, we
are often under pressure when we are making that decision.
<
“If you’re going to
panic, pa nic slowly.
Again, it is finding
a way to take a
step back and
think clearly under
pressure.”
CHESS ON GRASS
Bears batsman Will Porterfield hits out
during the NatWest T20 Blast quarter final
match between Birmingham Bears and
Essex Eagles at Edgbaston.
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