5 things that a batsman can do to counter spinners on turning tracks

One of the reasons why playing in the sub-continent is so difficult is because not everyone is adept at the art of handling spin bowling. Players from most countries outside Asia aren't used to playing spinners for extended periods of time and that in itself is a challenge that not many easily overcome.

But playing spinners isn't rocket science. There are some simple rules, which if followed, can help the batsmen score runs even on raging turners. And while there are some things which they shouldn't do, simple yet effective measures can help them score big on surfaces that are conducive to spin bowling.

Here are 5 things that a batsman can do to counter spinners:

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#5 Going down the track

Dance down the track and whack it past the in-field

Ask any couch commentator, analyst, expert or person on the street and they will tell you that in Asia, you have to use your feet to the spinners. While dancing down the track might be a strategy that almost everyone talks about, it is not just because it is a cliche but because it is an effective way of getting on top of the spinner.

While it is easy to say that someone should use their feet while batting against a spinner, more just dancing down the pitch, it is important to understand when to do it and when to remain at the crease. Early in the spell, when the spinners haven't settled into the rhythm, is often the best time to do it.

Not only does it put the bowler off his length but also ensures that you get some confidence to handle the unplayable deliveries, should they crop up. And walking down the pitch doesn't just have to be for a boundary, as Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have done so effectively in India, it could also be to just take a single down the ground if the fielders are in the deep. But the most important thing to do when waltzing down the track is to get to the pitch of the ball.

#4 Employ the sweep effectively

The sweep shot can be used to attack or defend

Batting in the sub-continent is difficult for a variety of reasons. Not just because of having to face spinners a lot more than you otherwise would but also because of the constant presence of fielders close to the bat. Whether the spinner is on top or trying to stem the flow of runs, fielders close to the bat remain.

Part of the reason behind that is to get into the mind of the batsmen and win the mental battle. One way to get rid of the fielders, at least in front of the wicket, is to employ the sweep effectively. Irrespective of the line, the sweep can always be employed as long as the ball is full. And while it is not advisable to use it all the time, as a top edge can balloon into a simple catch, effective use of catch will get rid of the close fielders and force the captain to set defensive fields and will give you more opportunities to score runs.

Australia's struggles in Sri Lanka were primarily down to the fact that none of the batsmen were adept at sweeping the turning ball. When you sweep well, you are all but taking the major wicket-taking delivery of the spinner (the full ball) away and you do it often enough and the bowler ends up bowling short, which can then result in easy pickings.

#3 Use the depth of the crease

Using all of the crease to help combat spin (Image Courtesy: Bcci.tv)

On turning tracks when the spinners are on top and any ball might have your name on it, there are certain things that you should absolutely do. Top on that list is using the depth of the batting crease while trying to handle spinners.

As Kane Williamson demonstrated in the first Test, it is not always easy but when used effectively, going back and at times across, could be the best way to handle the spinners, especially on tracks that are raging turners. When the ball is turning a mile, it obviously makes sense to play the ball once it has finally finished turning.

Using the depth of the crease doesn't just mean going back and playing the ball late, but also making minute adjustments when it comes to facing the ball. One of the biggest advantages of this method is that it gives you the time you need to put the bad ball away.

#2 Playing with a straight bat

Showing the full face of the bat

A Test match is undoubtedly the greatest test of a batsman's technique and temperament. While T20s have meant that there have been a lot more shots that have been added to the batsman's arsenal, not all of them have a place in Tests. While scoring rates have increased thanks to the shorter formats, the method of scoring is not completely similar.

Cross-bat shots, dinks and scoops might earn plenty of runs in the shorter formats but they are rife with risk in the longest format. And that is precisely why playing with a straight bat is imperative. Whether from the crease or down the track, playing with a straight bat affords the batsman with a sense of control that isn't otherwise possible.

Any angle that you create with the bat is only going to help the spinner in his bid to take your wicket. Especially when you have fielders around the bat, even the slightest angle of the bat can mean that a viciously turning ball can take the edge and find the fielder. So any heaves or slogs should be avoided unless the scenario calls for it.

#1 Be patient but punish the bad balls

Put the bad balls away to the boundary

One of the endearing memories of South Africa's Test series against India aside from the spin-friendly nature of pitches which turned from day one was the tactics employed by the Proteas. After being comprehensively beaten by spin, they decided to be patient and block the living daylights out of the spinners going forward.

The biggest problem with that strategy was that while they had the batsmen were occupying the crease for extended periods of time, they also didn't score too many runs. And that meant that inevitably, without much on the board, they perished and succumbed to defeat. And there is when the No.1 rule of handling spinners comes into play, be patient but punish the bad balls.

On surfaces like the ones dished out to South Africa in 2015, it was only a matter of time before the batsmen got a ball that had their name written on it. When that is the case, being patient alone will do your cause no help. Aside from being patient, you also need to punish the short ball, the long hop or the full toss and score as well. After all, while Tests might be about battling time, at the end of the day, it is the runs you score or don't that will win you the game.