Bouncers here to stay

Cricket365
January 19, 2017

Neither Bangladesh nor New Zealand have any intention of changing their approach with regard to bouncers in the second Test set to get underway at Hagley Oval.

Bangladesh skipper and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim was struck on the helmet and sent to hospital by a Tim Southee bouncer and Black Caps fast bowler Neil Wagner was hit on the helmet three times while batting but neither side have any issues with short pitched bowling.

Kiwi quick Trent Boult insists little will change with their approach to bowling, stuff.co.nz quote him as saying: “It’s a method that we’ve been using for a while, we’ve used it successfully as well.

“It’s always intimidating coming out facing a barrage of short-pitched bowling. I’m sure there will be some short-pitched bowling among the group.”

When asked if short-pitched bowling was being overused, Boult replied: “The short ball is a valuable skill as a fast bowler.

“People have to realise why people are bowling short in the first place. It’s to upset the batsman and get them stuck in the crease, to make the fuller ball more effective.

“You’re definitely not throwing it down there with the intention of hurting anyone. It’s to make your other skills a bit more effective and have a bit more purpose.”

Boult hopes that conditions in Christchurch are seam friendly: “We’re hoping it’s going to be nice seam bowling conditions so we can pitch the ball up and skin the cat in a different way.”

Tamim Iqbal will be standing in for the injured skipper in the final match of the tour and also indicated he had no problem with bouncers being bowled by either side.

Tamim said: “Short ball is a part of the game. I can’t really complain about it. If we feel a certain batsman is not very comfortable against the short ball we might use that tactic.

“If they feel some of our boys are not comfortable, they’ll use it. I think it’s a fair game.”

Boult was eager to perform well with pressure being applied to the incumbent quicks by Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.

The left-arm paceman added: “You can’t get complacent with your position in the side. It’s not just just Lockie, Matt Henry is a world class bowler and a guy that can deliver on any surface really.

“No one’s getting comfortable. We’re always looking to work harder.”