I am a right-handed batsman. How does one spot the slower ball of a medium pacer?

(Rohit Basu, 19, Calcutta)

Stick to the basics. Watch the ball coming out of the bowler’s hand like a hawk.

I am a medium pacer. Is it necessary to jump at the time of delivery to gain that extra yard of pace?

(Rahul Santra, 19, Calcutta-21)

Do what comes naturally to you... Something you are comfortable with.

I am a wicket-keeper. How does one improve concentration?

(P. Pradhan, Siliguri)

Physical fitness leads to mental fitness. Also watching the ball as much as you can will help.

I am a wicket-keeper and weak on the leg side. I always try and follow the ball coming out of the bowler's hand but the collection problem on the leg side persists. How can I improve?

(Suman Saha, Calcutta-16)

You need to work on your footwork so that you are across quickly and not grabbing the ball.

How can one improve reflexes for close-in catching?

(Debarshi Chanda, 21, Calcutta)

Again plenty of hard work and stretching during the off-season will help.

I am a medium pacer. What is the ideal length while bowling in one-dayers?

(Subhrajit Gupta, 19, Calcutta-21)

Again sticking to the basics will help. It also depends on the conditions.

Why do I always find it tough to regain my touch while batting after the off-season?

(Anirudh Dutta, 19, Calcutta-42)

It happens to the best so don’t worry. It’s all about rhythm.

I am left-handed batsman. I often fall leg before to inswinging deliveries. Why does this happen?

(Sanjay Roy, 22, Calcutta)

You are falling over or getting too far across.

Is running and skipping good enough to improve footwork?

(Rohan Sharma, Patna)

Yes it’s an excellent exercise.

I am a right-handed batsman. Is it wise to take guard outside the leg stump when facing leg spinners?

(Arko Ganguly, 19, Calcutta-42)

Can help if the bowler is bowling into the rough.