Cricket Allrounder Tips: Bowling Economy and Strike Rotation

by Rishi
(U.A.E)

Hi Sir,
I am a player for my school. I am a batting all rounder, I take wickets regularly but leak quite a lot of runs while doing so.Could you please give me some tips on improving my economy rate.

I’m also a very aggressive player and I’m quite consistent as well, but I always get out caught, never bowled or LBW.

Could you also give tips to play defensively because my defence isn’t good.

Thank you,Rishi

Hi Rishi, you still need to keep your aggressive intent, taking wickets is key. To improve your economy you need to improve your control, old fashioned line and length.

Drill 1. Go to the nets with some practice balls, put a target down on the line of off stump, your length is 3-4 yards from the stumps, depending on how bouncy the wicket is.

Practice bowling at the target, you are training your body to be able to hit the target without having to think about it. Practice for 4-6 overs at a time and keep a record of how frequently you hit, the goal is to improve every session you practice.

Be patient, some days will be better than others, you need to be able to control where the batter plays, this will train that.

Regarding your batting, again its important to keep your positive intent as a batter, you have rightly identified that your weakness is how often you get caught.

Drill 2 . Batting: At the nets again, working with your Coach or a friend.

Put a cone down 3 paces in front of you on the off side. Have your partner throw to you, whatever ball they throw to you practice hitting the ball down into the ground in front of the cone.

This will train you to wait for the ball to come right up to you and challenge you to hit the ball along the ground. Whether this is on the front or back foot, on either the leg side or the off.

To help you rotate strike when the opposition are bowling well, practice your front and back foot defensive shots and drop the ball in the crease on either side, off and leg. This will allow you to run quick singles and rotate the strike.

Good skills and Happy Practice. Regards Coach

About Richard Pybus

I'm Richard Pybus, I've coached Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middlesex, Titans and the Cape Cobras in South Africa and the goal of this site is to help you to play winning cricket.