Pet Hate
Why do international cricketers insist on shying at the stumps when the batsman is comfortably in his ground. They then stand around looking hard done by when the ball ricochets of the stumps and goes for four overthrows. DON'T THROW IT!!! Good fielding involves many aspects - reflexes, athleticism, agility, balance, good hands, accurate throwing. Having a sense of where the batsmen are is a very under-rated skill. This involves having an idea which end to throw, but also when to throw, and when to hang on to the bloody ball. I have to say Michael Clarke is a prime offender here, but there are many others. I just don't understand it! The worst possible outcome is that you hit your target and risk giving away runs!End rant.
3 comments:
I've always thought the same but have been at least slightly persuaded by the argument - for amateurs only - that it's the only time you practice throwing the ball in to the keeper. The target is meant to be well above the stumps around keeper head height, rather than the stumps themselves. And there is also the argument that the batsman feels more uneasy if the ball keeps getting pinged in towards him.
But having said all that I agree with you and am very happy chucking the ball back to the bowler when it comes to me in the ring and there's no chance of a run.
I don't have such a problem with throwing the ball back to the keeper. My problem is the shies at the stumps when the batsmen is clearly in.
The names "Jay Blanche" and "Jon Fienberg" spring to mind for that.....
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