The only problem with this method (and I speak from experience using a tennis ball instead) is that the speed of the delivery is a lot slower than it would be in a match situation.

The bat and golf ball method is one that Sir Don Bradman used, although he used a smaller bat. A company have cashed in on this idea and developed "eye-in". It is described in the following stages:

Stage 1: Use normal cricket bat with "eye-in" cricket ball supplied.
Stage 2: Use "eye-in" cricket bat with "eye-in" ball.
Stage 3: Change from cricket ball to golf ball.
Stage 4: Once mastered, take "eye-in" bat to nets to further improve your game.

I've taken that from an advert in The Wisden Cricketer, and the web address is www.eyein.co.uk. Can't vouch for it personally but it might help!

That is sound advice in almost any ball sport... but the key focus needs to be on keeping everything compact: you are aiming to watch the ball right onto the bat... and ideally want the eyes level, the head still and the bat under total control. It doesn't really matter if you got into that position with a high backlift and exagerated foot-movement (like Lara) or with little movement whatsoever (like Inzi)... but there's no way you are going to get your timing right and see the ball right onto the bat unless you are virtually stationary as the ball pitches.

Note: Lara moves a lot BEFORE the ball pitches... but as that bat comes down he looks to slow everything right down. He's ABLE to let the bat come through more forcefully if the delivery turns out to be a half-volley or long hop... but he's not LOOKING to do that. At his best, even Flintoff aims to do this: at the Trent Bridge Test in the Ashes he didn't play a SINGLE forcing stroke until he had passed 100 - and the first one he attempted cost him his wicket!

As a rule I'd look to minimise the backlift (like Inzi) rather than exagerate it (like Lara, Geraint Jones or Pietersen). On the other hand... I'd look to move positively (like Strauss or Michael Clarke) rather than try and get away with minimal movement (like Trescothick).

Heres some tips that i have been taught over the years. These simple things do make a difference

• Bend your elbow.
• Before the ball is released from the bowlers hand take the weight off of your heals and on to the balls of your feet.
• All ways keep your eyes open, never close your eyes.
• Watch the ball out of the bowlers hand and on to the bat.
• Soft hands when defending the ball.
• Dont try to hit the ball too hard, timing the ball is how you get your power.
• Patience is a key, test yourself see how long you can bat for before going out. The longer you are at the crease the more runs you will make.
• Hit the ball along the ground.
• Dont be scared of the ball. Learn to like being hit, runs can come off of the body are runs to the team and you cant get caught.
• Tune out so that you cant hear the fielders talking.
• Wait for the loose ball and leave or defend the good balls.

It is a lot harder than it sounds but every little thing that you can learn can help your batting. The main reason people play and miss the ball is that they are either scared of the ball, they close there eyes or they try to hit the ball to hard.

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I think that when i am about to hit the ball especially with the off drive I close my eyes when i let my bay come down.

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I assume that you are playing and missing while defending. If you are missing when you are attacking it might just be that you have not batted for long enough (haven't got your eye in), or your shot selection is not the best. When you first start an innings, only look to play aggressive shots to rank long-hops, full tosses or really full half-volleys.

When defending, make sure that you wait for as long as possible before hitting the ball. Let the ball come to you and let anything go that is outside of your eye-line which should be around off-stump. Don't push at the ball, relax and let the ball come on to you underneath your eyes.

Also you HAVE to learn to not worry about anything that has happened previously. Learn from your mistakes - of course - but don't dwell on them. Any mistakes that you make can be eradicated in the future. In all walks of life the more successful people are the ones who learn quickest from their mistakes.

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Whatever your difficulties in mathematics, I can assure you mine are far greater!
Albert Einstein, 1879-1955

I agree that you shouldn't rush any shot. No matter how quick the ball is coming at you, if you play with a straight bat and allow the ball to come to you then you have more chance of hitting it to ground and avoiding getting caught.

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I played the game on wednesday and I went in again at number 9. F**N coach. lol. I hit 30 off 10 balls. Thanks for the advice people. I think I may sneak up the order in the next game. Hopefully number 6 or 7.

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Try and be positive with every shot you play, even defensives. Get yourself right into the ball and mean to hit it, rather than dangling a bat at it. Bear in mind that doesnt mean blast it, still play it how you would normally, but with the intent of making every ball you play hit the middle of the bat (underneath your eyes ideally).

Right. I went batting number 8 for some strange reason with the score on 130-6 and just 2 overs left. I went to hit everything over the rope but I only managed two run. What should I do in them scenorios? I was made to look like a fool when i played and missed a stright one as it crashed onto my middle stump.

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What can you really do in such scenarios? All you can do is attempt to give it a whack.

If there is another guy who is say 50-60* and has hit a few boundaries, then look to put him on strike. It would be worth it, if your face the first ball of the over, to give him five balls to hit to the boundary. Overall, you would score more runs this way.

At the death, you could also use some nifty footwork to negate a bowler's accuracy. Nothing too fancy, but giving yourself room outside leg or shifting slightly to off would give yourself some sort of width when the straighter ball comes in. Advancing down the wicket can be useful too. Don't sprint down, just a few steps can change the length of the delivery. If you are looking to get someone else on strike with a single, try to play a good cricket stroke after such movements. If you want boundaries, look for the gap on the fence, make sure you give yourself room and go-some!!! People are often prone to being bowled this way, but that is life. If you are really having a good go for your team, in the last 2-3 overs, no one will mind that.

You should keep us all informed with your progress Ketz. It sounds as though you enjoy cricket, and that is what is the most important!