Suppose you’re reading this and are somewhat aware of the Asia Cup 2023, you’d know the Ban vs Pak match was not only about swing, spin, and length sixes. In that case, it has also opened the old cricket conversation: should coaches spend more time on getting their bowlers to at least be competent lower-order batters? Shaheen Afridi whacked some quick runs and reminded us that wood on a bowler, sometimes, is worth more than a bowler’s yorker. But the question in South Asia is, why don’t we have as many bowlers that can bat in the lower order, compared to say England or Australia?
Let’s break this down and see why coaching strategies around bowling and batting balance might need a rethink.
When a Bowler’s Bat Makes the Difference
Think about it—how many games in the last decade have been decided by the lower order? For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi’s cameos have become a mini-trademark, while Bangladesh fans still remember Mashrafe Mortaza’s surprise sixes back in his day. These weren’t just fun moments; they often tilted the match.
In the Ban vs Pak Asia Cup fixture, a few handy runs from the tail could have been the difference between chasing pressure and defending comfort. Coaches often focus heavily on bowling drills, perfecting seam position, and mastering slower balls. But cricket has evolved, and teams now demand depth. A bowler who can stick around for 20 balls and add 25 runs isn’t just “handy”, he’s a potential match-winner.
So, why aren’t South Asian setups consistently developing these “bowling all-rounders”?
The Coaching Gap: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh vs the Rest
One word: priorities. In cricket cultures such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, pitfalls overflow with innate batting skill. Coaches are less rushed to convert bowlers into genuine hitters because the first six or seven generally do the heavy lifting. Not so in England or New Zealand, where even primary pace bowlers Chris Woakes or Mitchell Santner bat for their teams.
Former players often point out that South Asian coaches don’t invest enough structured time in batting for bowlers. Most lower-order runs come from individual interest rather than guided training. Wahab Riaz once admitted that during county cricket, coaches pushed him to bat every day. In the subcontinent, however, batting sessions for pacers are more of a “bonus” than a priority.
Why It Matters More Than Ever in T20s and ODIs
Let’s be honest—modern cricket doesn’t forgive weak links. With T20s setting the trend, every single player is expected to contribute with bat, ball, or in the field. A bowler who can’t swing the bat at No. 9 is almost a liability in crunch situations.
Consider teams such as Australia: while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc may not have batting averages comparable to top-order batsmen, they can clear the ropes under pressure. Those extra 15-20 runs typically provide the difference in elimination games; in an intense tournament like the Asia Cup, where margins are very slim, it is impossible to justify ignoring a bowler’s batting development.
So, here’s the big question for fans and coaches alike: in an era where every run counts, can teams really afford to ignore the batting side of their bowlers anymore?
FAQs
1. Do South Asian coaches train bowlers to bat regularly?
Not consistently, as batting training for bowlers is often treated as optional.
2. Which Pakistan bowler is known for useful batting cameos?
Shaheen Afridi frequently adds crucial runs down the order.
3. How does Bangladesh struggle with bowlers’ batting?
Their tail often looks underprepared, leading to sudden collapses.
Disclaimer: TThis blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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