Simon Hughes
Good communication with your batting partner is something you're taught in the under-11s and promptly forget when you turn professional. Taking quick singles is a basic discipline that, surprisingly, you keep having to remind some Test players about.
It was brought to the forefront of the English players' attention by Duncan Fletcher, England's coach, during the 2000 West Indies series. Against the robotically accurate fast bowling of Ambrose and Walsh, the tip-and-run approach was very effective, keeping the scoreboard ticking over, rotating the strike and infuriating the bowlers at the same time. On several occasions it also provoked some wild throws at the stumps from the fielders, resulting in overthrows.
Keeping alert
Good 'backing up' and understanding from the non-striker is the key. An alert partner at the non-striker's end should be a stride up the pitch as
the bowler releases the ball, ready to dart down the other end if the ball finds a gap.
 Aggressive backing up
Here (left) Michael Vaughan is well poised to run, leaning forward while just keeping his bat in touch with the crease until the ball has been delivered. (Note how far back Alec Stewart steps as the ball is released, which is what makes him such a fine back foot player, but occasionally vulnerable to being LBW).
 Lazy backing up
Here (left) the non-striker is well behind the line as Gough delivers the ball. This is lazy backing up, which could forfeit a run or put this batsman in danger should he need to run to the other end.
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Copyright © Simon Hughes 2001
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