CRICKET CLASSES: HOW TO PLAY THE STRAIGHT DRIVE?

As the name of the shot suggests, the straight drive is a stroke that is played by the batter straight down the ground...

- RENIN WILBEN

It is often said that cricket is a batsman’s game. One of the reasons for the same is the plethora of options available for the batters. From front foot and back foot defences to drives, pulls and sweeps, batsmen can play it all. In this feature, we look at one of the most admired strokes to execute in cricket - the straight drive.

WHAT IS A STRAIGHT DRIVE?

As the name of the shot suggests, the straight drive is a stroke that is played by the batter straight down the ground. Most cricket purists consider the straight drive as one of the most classical shots a batsman can possess in his repertoire of shot-making.

When a batter hits one straight past the bowler, presenting the full face of the bat, he is bound to frustrate the bowler. The batter, however, derives immense satisfaction from a straight drive. Not only does it look elegant, it is also a shot that pleases the coaches, for they mostly encourage their wards to hit balls with a straight bat.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE PLAYING THE STRAIGHT DRIVE