When I played my cricket as a youngster, there were some things we were taught that made perfect sense and we followed them every time we played the game.
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One of these cardinal rules was for the wicket keeper or the bowler to be behind the stumps to take a throw from the fielder for a runout. The logic for this guideline is very simple. First, being behind the stumps creates the opportunity for a direct hit, which is the best way to get a runout. Second, it is much easier to collect the ball behind the stumps, and push your hand forward to remove the bails than to collect the ball in front of the stumps and then turn around to remove the bails.
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I have watched a lot of top level cricket on TV lately, and it amazes me that this simple sensible rule is no longer followed by even the best wicketkeepers in the world, and most bowlers. Even someone like Dhoni consistently collects throws IN FRONT of the stumps and then turns around 180 degrees to remove the bails. I believe that these guys are missing a lot of runout opportunities by choosing the lazy option. Is this a result of too much cricket, and the players conserving energy? In other words are these guys choosing the lazy option? I think so, unless I am missing something...
2 comments:
Behind wickets,while taking returns is good when you anticipate a direct hit.In the front it is easier to take slightly out of the way throws and move your body.I played in the office team till 2001-02, but always followed the traditional approach.
Good point Sanjiv, but I am amazed that taking the ball in front of the stumps seems to have become so common now.
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