Batting, along with bowling, are the two cornerstones of the game of cricket. There are many facets to the art, from stance to shot-selection, and from opening an innings to supporting a tail-ender.

If you are unhappy playing back, you won't get far as an opening batsman. The new ball will always bounce a bit higher than an old one, sometimes uncomfortably so.

The basic principles generally hold true. If the ball is full, it's best to move forward; if the ball is short, it's better to step back.

The cut is probably the most commonly-used shot in the game, and is particularly favoured by small, compact players who haven't got much 'reach' for drives and other forward shots.

English batsmen are afraid to use their feet against spinners for fear of being left stranded down the pitch and they rely heavily on the sweep shot.

If the orthodox sweep is partially premeditated, the much-maligned reverse sweep is wholly so.

One of the most attacking shots in the batsman's armoury, the pull, not to be confused with the hook, is a back-foot shot played at a ball around waist height.

The most dramatic of all the back-foot shots (and therefore the most risky) is the 'hook'. Despite the dangers, some batsmen are compulsive hookers.

It is quite interesting to see how a batsman's initial set-up has changed over time.

The first thing any batsman does when he arrives at the wicket is take his guard, or 'line himself up' across the crease so that he knows where he is standing in relation to the stumps.

Opening batsmen have to face a continuous onslaught of aggressive fast bowling, often at different heights and angles.

In England's three Test series in Pakistan in Nov/Dec 2000, there were over 5,000 'dot' balls, the equivalent of 10 days cricket without a run.

Although they will be individualists, opening the batting is a partnership – there are two batsmen and it helps for them to have complementary styles.

Once the batsman has gained a bit of confidence and is seeing the ball well, he can start to think about being more aggressive.

The best batsmen in the world have the edge over their less talented peers in one other area – their instinctive skill and judgement allows them to play the ball a split second longer.

You might assume that looking at the batting order of a team you would start with the best batsman and work your way down. That is not really the case - the best batsmen come in in the middle order.

The blokes at the bottom of the order might not have as much talent as their more stylish counterparts, but they can partly make up for that with guts, dedication and common sense.

There is a good incentive for tail-enders to hang around at the crease. They're under no pressure, so any extra runs are a bonus and will be received enthusiastically.

If the no.6 is still in, it's vital that 9, 10 and 11 try to stay there. The longer they hold an end up, the more frustrated the bowlers will become.

A nightwatchman is an expendable player sent in late in the day to protect the specialist batsmen from fading light and prowling bowlers.

Because they are inferior batsmen, tailenders usually wear all the protective equipment they can lay their hands on.

One option for batsmen trying to pierce a well-set, defensive field is to angle the ball into the gaps.

It's a great help to the audience at home to be able to show where a particular batsman is scoring his runs.

Good communication with your batting partner is something you're taught in the under-11s and promptly forget when you turn professional.

The key to successful batting, especially in the middle order, is to be positive.

To find gaps on the leg side, some players 'close the face' with late movement of the wrists.

Historically, English batsmen have always been weak against good spin bowling. They just don't see enough of it.

There are a number of ways to disrupt the spinner's rhythm, one of which is for the batsman to 'use his feet'.

Although sweeping is probably the most popular shot against spinners, it is certainly not the safest.

Because spinners bowl at a slower pace there is more time for 'footwork'. Their accuracy means you might have to manufacture yourself some space to hit the ball.

In Pakistan during the winter, Michael Atherton gave a masterclass in watching the ball right onto the bat and playing with the spin.

Sometimes run-scoring comes less easily and brute power, excellent timing and good placement of shots are needed to keep the scoreboard ticking over.