The slow scoring reliable opener, the hard hitting tail ender, the elegant stroke player, the strike bowler...

We all do it.

We label team mates to help determine their role in the side and to assist us in making decisions to best suit the situation.

If you’re 97-5 chasing 110, you would look to send in someone who may not have the broadest range of shots, but someone who has a solid basic technique to see you through to the finish safely.

If you need 25 off the last over, you send in your biggest hitter.

You come to this decision not only though common sense, but because that batsman has been given a predetermined label to be best suited in that situation.

It’s simple logic to call upon the best suited payer during differing situations.

But Sticking to the dogma of roles prevents batsmen being free.

Cricketers are not one dimensional

That’s why the good captain knows that roles overlap. One batsman can be several, given the opportunity.

The elegant stroke player can be a pinch hitter, if they have the ability to change their mind set.

Even the dour opener can enjoy the freedom of hitting out in a Twenty20 death situation.

The key is being able to determine if the batsman:

• Has the ability to fulfil the role 
• Has the ability to alter their natural style to match the role

Having a solid technique in place and the ability to slightly alter the mental ability will change the stroke player into a pinch hitter for example.

But even the dour opener might enjoy the freedom that comes with hitting out. How do you know unless you try to find out?

So consider your, or other’s mental and technical abilities when deciding if they are able to fulfil a differing role.

Chances are the opportunity will be relished.