Cricket Fast Bowling Tips : How to bowl to left handed batsmen

by Shashank Yadav
(Kolkata , India)

Hi Sir,
I’m a right hand fast bowler, 13 years of age. I have a problem when I bowl to left handed batsmen, I can’t work on my pace and outswing together….please reply…
kind regards Shashank

Dear Shashank, it’s always challenging for the right arm swing bowler to bowl to the left handed batsman and vice versa, the left arm swing bowler to the right hand batsman.

Firstly, don’t worry about pace and swing together, rather run up with the goal of bowling quick and if there is swing then you can adjust your line accordingly.

Bowling to the left hander: lets break it down into the different stages of the game.

New ball bowling : when you have the new ball you’re going to bowl straighter, to hit off stump and have all three dismissals in the game, bowled, LBW and caught ( usually behind).

You will need a midwicket or square leg for bowling straighter so you can control the single on the leg side, and keep the batter on strike.

You will focus on bowling a good, full length in this area for 3-5 overs, this is based on how many overs you are allowed to bowl for your age group.

When the ball is older you will usually bowl a little wider of off stump as the swing will have gone off the ball.

You will be challenging the batsman to hit the ball into the off side field, with perhaps a slip if there is still movement and a gully, point, cover and mid off to build up pressure.

Build up pressure like this, aim to bowl a good length and focus on bowling a maiden over. When you hit a good length repeatedly and bowl maidens then wickets come as the batter tries to force the pace of the game.

Occassionally going round the wicket can also bring a wicket as it changes the eye line and focus of the batter.

The key things are still keeping your intent to bowl quick and to work on controlling your length.

Look to bowl in partnership with the bowlers at the other end, two bowlers in partnership building up pressure with an older ball is very tough to beat.

When you get a wicket, bowl straighter to the new batter, as if you are bowling with the new ball again.

This is always the golden opportunity to get the new batter out before he has set himself so you want to bowl to get all three dismissals in the game again.

Best Wishes 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.