New Delhi, Jun 17: If players like Suresh Raina fail in Test cricket due to lack of technique against short-pitched deliveries, it would be a big loss for the game, former Australian captain Ian Chappell said.
Chappell said to negotiate bodyline stuffs from fast bowler, a batsman needs proper technique, which is something that can be taught.
He said the game cannot lose players of the calibre of Raina and England batsman Johny Bairstow, simple because they cannot handle short-balls exam.
“Both Bairstow and Raina are talented players with the skill to make big scores in the Test arena. The game needs young players like them to succeed, because they are extremely entertaining cricketers. If they fall short of expectations, it could be the result of inadequate preparation for a future at Test level,” the Australian wrote in his column for espncricinfo.
“If a young batsman isn't fully prepared, he faces the daunting prospect of trying to survive at the highest level while fighting with one hand tied behind his back.
“My South Australian captain, Les Favell, a fierce proponent of the horizontal bat shots, often said: ‘At international level you must be able to hook or cut to succeed and it's better if you can play both',” Chappell added.
Chappell said to negotiate bodyline stuffs from fast bowler, a batsman needs proper technique, which is something that can be taught.
He said the game cannot lose players of the calibre of Raina and England batsman Johny Bairstow, simple because they cannot handle short-balls exam.
“Both Bairstow and Raina are talented players with the skill to make big scores in the Test arena. The game needs young players like them to succeed, because they are extremely entertaining cricketers. If they fall short of expectations, it could be the result of inadequate preparation for a future at Test level,” the Australian wrote in his column for espncricinfo.
“If a young batsman isn't fully prepared, he faces the daunting prospect of trying to survive at the highest level while fighting with one hand tied behind his back.
“My South Australian captain, Les Favell, a fierce proponent of the horizontal bat shots, often said: ‘At international level you must be able to hook or cut to succeed and it's better if you can play both',” Chappell added.
