Understanding the fundamentals is important in all walks of life, whether it be academics, online gaming, or a thrilling sport like cricket.

In this blog, we will explore the fundamental skills of cricket, from batting and bowling to fielding. We will cover everything you need to know to succeed in modern cricket.

Batting Skills

Let’s face it, regardless of whether you are a batsman or bowler being a cricketer you have to bat and score runs even if it’s not your forte. So this one is vital to have. But you don’t need to be Ben Stokes or Hardik Pandya. Simply understanding some basics could move the needle.

1. Fine Coordination Of Hand-Eye

As a bowler releases the ball, the batsman’s eyes keenly track its trajectory. To score runs, quick reactions and hand-eye coordination are paramount. A significant portion, around 50-60%, of batting skill hinges on gauging the ball’s speed, bounce, and direction. It’s the key to mastering the art of batting in cricket.

If you look at any successful batsman in the world, you will notice that they all have proper control over their hand-eye. This is the reason they score runs continuously. And that’s why as a batsman you need to master this skill first.

Fortunately, with practice, you can skillfully develop a finer Coordination between your hand-eye. Perhaps, you should ask your coach. He can Undoubtedly help you hone this. Other sports like tennis can also help you develop hand-eye coordination. But there’s no substitute for practice in cricket, with the real cricket ball. Only then you could pick up deliveries and clear the fence.

2. Timing

In modern-day cricket, timing is an important factor. Even some of the most powerful hitters rely on timing. The ball will go farther away if the connection between the ball and the bat occurs at the right moment.

Although the timing is about generating the power, hitting the ball harder won’t provide you with timing. Because timing is an outcome of so many other aspects instead of an aspect in itself. But the good thing here is that most of these elements are in your control.

The right technique is what you need when it comes to timing the ball well. I will not discuss timing in much detail here but ensure both hands work together straight for well-timed shots. Ask your coach to guide you further on this.

  3. Forearm and Wrist Power

No wonder having robust forearms provides you with more power in your shots. There are some exercises you could do for this. But don’t fall for the size trap. Because what you need here is grip strength.

For a batsman who wants to score runs and clear the fence like a champion. Doing a few wrist curls at the end of a workout isn’t enough. Isometric grip training is required for grip strength instead of stronger arms.

Some of the exercises that can help you with grip strength are farmer’s walk, plate holds, etc. Again consult your coach for more details on this.

4. Playing Yorkers

Yorker delivery is the deadliest weapon modern fast bowlers use after the slower ones. That’s why as a batsman you are required to have the proper technique to defend and attack against a yorker. So, to score runs in death overs when most bowlers seem to bowl yorker deliveries, you have to become innovative to strike them.

Gratefully, batsmen have invented some awesome tactics to defend and attack against Yorkers.

Following are the skills you must acquire to bat well against the yorkers:

• Identifying a yorker
• Changing the position of your body at the crease
• Shots for you to attack the Yorker
• Protecting your stumps against the Yorker

Keep in mind that practicing in the nets is the most favorable thing you can do to make yourself a better batsman against Yorkers.

Bowling Skills

In cricket, bowling is the skill of driving the ball toward the wicket that is protected by a batter.

Bowling the ball is totally different from throwing it. The player who is skilled at bowling the ball is named a bowler. When the ball is bowled to a batsman it is called a delivery or a ball.

A player who can do both bowling and batting well is called an all-rounder.

Goals of bowling in Cricket

Bowling can have different goals according to the circumstances, the format of the game, etc. But the primary goal of every bowling attack is to prevent the batsman from scoring runs or slowing down the run rate and taking wickets. Although fielding also plays a major role in helping the bowlers achieve their goals. Because good fielding can help the bowling department by preventing the batsman from taking singles, and doubles, and by stopping boundaries.

This builds pressure on the batsmen, and they will take more risks. Eventually, this yields more wickets.

Types of Bowling in Cricket

Spin bowling

No one can deny the fact that spin bowling plays a crucial role in modern-day cricket. Mostly in the t-20s format, they are a favorable choice for the captains. Because of their ability to deviate the ball that deceives most batsmen. Some captains also use spinners as their attacking alternative. While others use them to keep the run rate under control.

Types of Spin Bowling in Cricket

• Leg-Break
• Off-Break
• Arm Ball
• Leg-spin
• Off-Spin
• Doosra
• Left-arm orthodox(chinaman)
• Teesra

Deliveries

• Googly
• Full Toss

Fast Bowling

Fast bowling also known as pace bowling is the main technique of bowling in cricket. Practitioners of fast bowling are usually known as pace bowlers. Sometimes they are also referred to as seam bowlers, swing bowlers, or pacemen. 

The purpose of fast bowling is to make the life of the batsmen challenging, which causes them to make a mistake. The bowler achieves this by bowling the ball in such a fashion that makes it hard for the batsmen to predict the ball – like changing line and length. Using their pace so that batsmen don’t get much time to pick the delivery.

Types of Fast Bowling

• Leg Cutter
• Off Cutter
• In Dipper
• In Swinger
• Swing Bowling
• Seam Bowling
• Reverse

Deliveries

• Bouncer
• Yorker
• Full Toss
• Beamer
• Slower-One

Cricket skills both a batsman and bowler need to have

Fielding

Modern-day cricket demands exceptional fielding. The fielder needs to collect the ball after it is struck by a striking batter to limit the number of runs the batter scores or get the batter out by catching the ball or hitting the wickets before the batsman could complete the run. Good fielding could be the difference between a winning team and the one that lost.

Just like any other skill in cricket, through practice, you can become an outstanding fielder. 

Concentration

Every cricketer needs a high concentration power regardless of a batter or bowler. A batsman has to pick deliveries and score runs. And all this happens in fractions of a second if the bowler you’re playing against got some serious pace. Bowlers have to change their role between fielding and bowling which does require concentration.

Flexibility and Agility

Agility in cricket means the ability of a player to change direction and accelerate while still in motion. Especially when you are fielding in cricket you are putting a lot of pressure and strain on your body. Like stopping the ball while you are still in motion and then immediately throwing it toward the keeper or bowler’s end.

Not only being flexible and agile will help you become a better cricketer, but it will also save you from unwanted injuries while you are in the field.

In short, you need to learn to coordinate and control your body when you are unbalanced.

Exercise to become more agile and flexible

1. Pigeon walks
2. Arm reaches
3. Lawnmowers

These are just some examples of exercises. Try them to see how they help you.

Conclusion

Cricket is a complex and challenging sport that requires a wide range of skills. However, the fundamental skills outlined in this article are essential for all players, regardless of their level of experience. By mastering these skills, players can lay the foundation for success in cricket.

I hope this article has helped you learn about the fundamental skills needed to play cricket. With practice and dedication, you can become a skilled and successful cricketer.