Re: The fast bowlers in cricket.
Why do they have to run so far to bowl a ball? They could bowl just as fast if they halved their distance as they would be much fitter at the end of each day, and saving much energy. For example, most fast bowlers run 40 metres or so for each bowl, times six for an over, equals 240 metres, and say eight overs per day, equals 8 x 240, 1920 metres, at say 12 overs per day – equals 2880 metres!
That could be halved if the bowlers' run ups were only 20 metres or so. When watching on TV those long run-ups are so energy sapping and quite ridiculous.
Why do the coaches not look into this habit and check it out? Also rubbing the ball smooth as the opposite effect of gripping the crease for a spin bowl! It should be left rough.
Ernest Izett, Tauranga.
1 comment
Unnecessary run ups dragging out cricket
Posted on 07-01-2012 13:05 | By algail
am sure our Ernie writes his letters just to create controversy. I know Ernie was a bit of a Cricketer in his young days and half decent half back at rugby too. No doubt thousands will write in to let Ernie know the exercise of polishing the ball on one side only is all about aerodynamics. Polishing the ball on one side will make that side of the ball try to travel faster through the air because of its smoothness and so create swing and lift . The run up has a physiological effect on some batsmen too. Watching a rather large scowling man running at you to gain maximum pace so the ball will bounce and take your head off is a terrifying sight experienced by many novice batsmen. Sir Richard did prove of course that a bowler can be just and at times more effective with a shorter run un up so Ernie gets a bit of support on that comment. However not all fast / medium bowlers are as tall and rangy as Sir Richard so those shorter chaps like Danny Morrison need a longer run up to gather pace. Alastair Bethlehem
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