Simon Hughes
Because spinners bowl at a slower pace (between 50 and 60mph, compared to quick bowlers' 80+ mph) there is more time for 'footwork'. Another way of scoring runs off spinners is to hit them off the back foot. Their accuracy means you might have to manufacture yourself some space to hit the ball - instead of moving down the pitch, you step away from it slightly, making room to cut.
 Getting low
Michael Vaughan (left) is in an excellent position to play the late cut, making room by leaning back to give himself the space to play the shot, while still keeping his head in line with the ball. He's just dabbing the ball backward of square, but you can play a full-blooded cut from this position too.
 Wrong choice
Nasser Hussain, though good at this shot, chooses the wrong ball here (left). It was quite wide but then turned sharply back at him. Though he makes every effort to get his body and legs out of the way, the ball has tucked him up too much and grazes his pad, before being taken by the wicket-keeper.
To make matters worse, he was wrongly given out caught!
Beating the spinners
Overall, balance, quick feet and expert reading of the length are vital when playing spin. Spinners will wheel away for hours trying to probe your weaknesses, hoping for a little bat-pad catch or a rush-of-blood heave. It's vital the batsman is patient and watchful but still ready to pick off any runs there are to be had.
A spinner who is allowed to bowl maiden after maiden will soon start taking wickets. It doesn't have to be a hoik into the grandstand every over to upset his rhythm. Just little nudges and nurdles here and there will do the trick, and the four-ball will come along soon enough.
Copyright material reproduced under license from Macmillan Publishers Ltd. London, England
Copyright © Simon Hughes 2001
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