CRICKET ONLINE RAVI SHASTRI

I am a righthanded batsman. Whenever I come down the wicket I end up getting bowled. Please help.

(Hemant Prasad, 16, Dhanbad)

Watch the ball. Make sure you get close to the pitch of the ball when going down the track.

I am a leg-spinner. What should be the ideal length for pitching the ball when bowling against a righthanded batsman?

(Md Idrees, 19, Barrackpore)

A length where you draw him forward and make him reach out for the ball.

I am an allrounder. Should I concentrate only on physical conditioning during the off season?

(Amit Chakraborty, 21)

Not a bad idea. It’s good to take a break once in a while.

I am a batsman. I always struggle to get back into nick after the off season. How do I avoid it this time?

(Sanjit Mehra, 19, Calcutta)

Get into the nets earlier so that you get back some touch.

I often get bowled when attempting the sweep against a leg-spinner. Please help.

(Ramen Tarafdar, 17, Calcutta-78)

Go towards the line of the ball with your front foot.

I am a righthanded batsman. Often I am out hit wicket when trying to defend a bouncer. Please help.

(Rajat Mohanta, 21, Rajgongpur, Orissa)

Watch the ball and use the depth of the crease so that you stay balanced.

I am a leg-spinner. Whenever I try to bowl a faster delivery I end up bowling wide or full toss. Why does this happen?

(Vivek Dhar, 19, Calcutta-7)

Stick to the basics like keeping a still head and watching the spot you want the ball to land.

I am a lefthanded batsman. Often while offering a defensive shot to a left-arm spinner I get caught at silly point. Why does this happen?

(Samesh Chakraborty, 18, Calcutta-15)

Get into the habit of playing with the bat in front of the pads and not behind it.

On a turning track, is it wise to use more of the pad than the bat against spinners?

(Rohit Roy, 19, Calcutta-41)

Always good you use the bat as often as possible.

How does one improve slip catching? Will only practice help?

(Samit Sharma, 21, Calcutta-84)

It demands a lot of practice as it’s a specialist position. Get into the habit where you take 50 catches everytime you go out.