Simon Hughes
It is quite interesting to see how a batsman's initial set-up has changed over time. Though the basics look the same, there are subtle differences in body and bat position, influenced by the type of bowling and fashions of the time. When fast bowling began to dominate in the 1970s, a lot of batsmen made large early movements, with the bat held aloft in readiness for a searing delivery.
 The legendary W.G. Grace looks rather hunched and ungainly. However, this loose, crouched stance didn't prevent him making many centuries.
 The Australian Don Bradman, who finished his Test career in 1948 with an average of 99.94 runs per innings, stood astride the crease with his bat resting between his legs. Otherwise it was a conventional stance and remained the norm throughout the game until the 1970s. Note the lack of helmet or much padding.
 The 6ft 6in Tony Greig was the player who broke the mould and opted for a more confrontational approach, bat brandished aloft as the bowler (in this case Dennis Lillee) was about to deliver. This was also partly due to his height. To rest the bat on the ground he had to stoop. This was the start of the dominance of pace.
Graham Gooch began his career standing in the traditional way, slightly bent over the bat on the ground (above left), during his Test debut against Australia. However, as he was out twice for nought in that game, it was perhaps not surprising that he soon adopted Greig's more upright method. And, with the aid of a heavy bat and a lot of courage, Gooch was one of the only men to put the terrifying West Indies pace attacks of the 1980s to the sword (above right).
 Peter Willey (now a Test umpire) was another courageous batsman, prepared to take on any pace attack. He evolved a weird stance that involved standing with his chest and knees pointing down the wicket and shoulders angled towards mid-wicket. He found this position made it easier to get his hands and bat 'high' when a fast ball lifted towards his chest.
Copyright material reproduced under license from Macmillan Publishers Ltd. London, England
Copyright © Simon Hughes 2001
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