Tactics | Cricket coaching, fitness and tips

Chasing a big score: Learning from the Ashes

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In the wake of the 2009 Ashes series, I thought I would have a look at the way the Australians played during the big run chase in their second innings of the final Test when the series was on the line.

To Throw or Not to Throw? That Is the Question

Making a quick decision to throw can be the difference between a run out and a stolen single.

But it's never quite that simple is it?

Even if you are a dead-eye when throwing at the stumps, it's possible to give away overthrows and face the wrath of your "double teapot" captain and bowler.

Classic bowling dismissals: In swing

This article is part of the 'Classic bowling dismissals' series. To go to the start, click here.

Often thought of as the easier type of swing bowling, the inswinger can be a devastating weapon when used effectively.

When bowling to a right-handed batsmen, here are the classic ways to get a wicket:

Do you trust your hunches?

You have never seen him before, but there is something not quite right about the batsman as he takes his guard.

You can't put your finger on quite what it is, but it's clear something doesn't add up.

He plays a couple of balls out and still something nags at you about him. You glance at the 'keeper and he nods his head towards the new man at the crease. Whatever it is, he has seen it too.

How to bowl to tail-enders

Lower order batsmen can be more than an annoyance. They can cost you matches if you can't bowl them out.

It should be easy. These are the guys with the worst batting skill and the lowest average. Yet strangely some very good bowlers to top end players just don't have the knack of firing out the tail. They repeatedly beat the bat and look like doing it any moment, but somehow the wickets don't materialise as quickly as they should.

Classic bowling dismissals: Slow left arm

This article is part of the 'Classic bowling dismissals' series. To go to the start, click here.

Left arm bowlers have a great advantage over right arm finger spinners and so are more likely to take wickets.

4 Steps to bowling spin against an attacking batsman

Andrew Flintoff was on the rampage.

The 6ft 4 all-rounder had been served up some easy half volleys in his innings in the third Ashes Test and was walking with a confident swagger.

Classic bowling dismissals: Away swing

This article is part of the 'Classic bowling dismissals' series. To go to the start, click here.

Bowlers who can swing the ball away are a precious asset to a team: They take wickets. No matter what format you play, wickets win you games and moving the ball away from the bat in the air is one of the best ways to deceive a batsman.

Classic bowling dismissals: Off spin

This article is part of the 'Classic bowling dismissals' series. To go to the start, click here.

Traditional off spin bowling is somewhat out of fashion at the top level, but don't let that deceive you. Off spin can be destructive at any level given the right conditions. The off spinner can't blast out the opposition so it becomes all about guile and teasing out a batsman.

How does the off spinner tease a player out?

Classic bowling dismissals: Introduction

If you have watched much cricket on TV you will hear the commentators often talk about the 'classic dismissal' of a certain type of bowler.

This series aims to show you what those dismissals really are, from off spin to away swing and everything in-between.