Top 5: Minor weaknesses in the techniques of some modern day batsmen

#4 Hashim Amla and the awkward angle

Even Amla has issues regarding his bat-swing

A modern great like Hashim Amla is expected to have a flawless, textbook technique. However, that is far from the truth.

Amla has a unique batting technique. His bat comes down from almost a fourth slip region. To ensure that the bat comes down with a full face, Amla makes a loop at the top of his backlift while playing.

This means, his bat needs to travel a longer trajectory to reach the ball than other batsmen. This, in turn, implies he is rather late to the ball than others unless he has a terrific bat speed, which he fortunately does.

Amla’s bat speed has almost always covered up for the angle of his bat as it comes down to face the ball. Even then, it makes him vulnerable to inswingers and really quick bowlers.

The flip side of Amla's bat starting from a wider point is that the willow comes down at an angle, creating a hole for the balls that move back in after pitching. Amla has been out bowled or lbw in over 30% of his dismissals against pace in international cricket. The movement off the pitch is something that will continue to trouble him as long as he uses the same technique.