Simon Hughes
The key to successful middle-order batting is to be positive. This means not being lulled into defensive mode by restrictive bowling and
field settings. It is important to remain watchful but ready to
attack the bowler's slightest lapse in line or length.
Graham Thorpe on form is a good example of a positive middle-order player. He has a compact defence but is quick to seize on anything that is hittable. With a high back-lift, he restricts himself to three main scoring avenues: the off drive, the slash/cut and the pull, which is more of a help-it-on-its-way shot. Each is played with an efficient punch rather than an over-dramatic flourish. He doesn't waste energy.
 Punched drive
A trademark Thorpe stroke, played with the full-face and
very little follow-through.
 Square slash
Thorpe waits for anything wide, indulging in the old adage, 'if you're going to slash, slash hard'.
 Flick pull
Very quick on to anything short, Thorpe will take the fastest bowlers on and often succeed.
Playing to your strengths
Thorpe knows exactly where he's hitting the ball. It may sound a bit limited to only have three major shots, but if you can play all of them well, against any type of bowling, there's no real need for any more. The batsman who has every shot in the book may ultimately be spoilt for choice. The clever thing about Thorpe is that once he's pushed the field back with a few fierce attacking shots, he dabs the ball into gaps and picks up lots of ones and twos.
He is not what you would call a pretty player, but he is mightily
effective and can adjust his game to the situation.
Copyright material reproduced under license from Macmillan Publishers Ltd. London, England
Copyright © Simon Hughes 2001
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