Q&A for How to Be a Good Batsman

The only way to improve your timing is through practice. Practice as often as possible.

When playing the pull shot, play to a short delivery rising high, step back and across, keep the hands high and swing the bat across when the ball is near you.

Make sure you hit the ball as hard as you can and with elevation in your shot. Try to hit the ball in the middle of the bat

You will just have to keep practicing playing against fast bowlers and you will gain confidence over time.

Move a few steps down the pitch before playing the ball to prevent this from happening.

You must look through the open part of the helmet not through the grill. This will get easier with practice.

You will have to practice trying to guide the ball onto the face to play it late.

You can either play forward or backwards to this length, depending on the pitch.

Stay focused and calm. Watch the ball as it comes near and decide on a shot to play. Don't get confused. Try playing easier shots first to build your confidence.

Yes, this happens because you can't focus on the ball. You need to improve your concentration. Practice more often in the nets and take some time out of your schedule to meditate.

The key is to adapt. After a few balls, you will automatically see the ball easier.

Use a bat that is comfortable for you. If you use a bat that is too heavy for you, it may hit harder, but your elbows will suffer in the long run.

It is definitely not too late to learn to play cricket.

Only unorthodox shots are decided on before the bowler bowls, and only if you know what he is going to bowl. Otherwise you should let the ball come toward you before deciding.

Before choosing your footwork for a shot you have to judge the delivery. A simple way of doing this is to follow these two rules: Generally, for a fuller delivery, play a front foot shot and for a shorter delivery, play a back foot shot. Practice these two things in the nets and it should come naturally to you when you are out in the middle.

Not at all. Just be prepared to work hard and practice often.

Watch the bowlers hand till end of the ball delivery.

The three most important and must-learn shots are the cover drive, lofted cover drive, and square cut. You also focus on timing and placement.

Don't think about the balls you've wasted. Take your time and adapt yourself to the pace and spin in the beginning and once you have settled you hit more difficult shots.

Consider the line and length of the ball. For example, if the ball is off-stump, then play a straight drive, and if the ball is too hard to hit, then block the ball and rotate the strike.

You must concentrate on watching the bowler's hand and him releasing the bowl. Then, try to adjust yourself to hit the ball.

Practice and prove to your coach that you deserve it by batting excellently in a match.

It helps me to listen to music before I get on the field. Then when I'm out there and I'm nervous, I just think back to the best day I ever had playing that sport to boost my confidence.

It would take a lot of practice, hard work and talent to play international cricket. There is no set formula to follow.

First you move your head, then your feet. Your head should be above the ball as you play the shot in order to ensure perfect timing. As you lean into the shot, your feet will naturally follow.

Focus on the ball. If it comes at full length, you should play a straight drive, and if the ball is short, you can do back foot defense.

You need to practice a lot and be a good sport. For some that includes having a good education but for others it means a broader life experience as well or instead of education.

Wait and watch the ball carefully. Watch the bowler's to prepare for the ball and stay calm.

Improve your batting speed until you can. If you miss the first time, swing again before the ball has passed your arm radius.

Use footwork. Go to front foot and you will make it a full toss, or go back and let the ball turn and time your shot to perfection!