Batting Deep in the Crease
Also known as: bat deep in the crease, batting deep in the crease, standing deep in the crease, going deep in the crease, standing back in the crease, using the depth of the crease
Bat deep in the crease when you want more time against short, fast bowling or more room to play spin off the back foot. Standing back gives the ball longer to travel before it reaches you. The risks are LBW to full balls and treading on your own stumps.
Deep in the crease means standing or moving back towards the stumps instead of near the popping crease. It is the opposite of batting out of the crease. Some batters take guard deep all the time. Others move back only against certain bowlers.
Against fast bowlers who bowl short, the extra distance buys a little reaction time. It helps you sway out of the way, or pull and cut from a stable base. Against spin, going deep turns a good length into a ball you can play off the back foot. You can cut, pull or work it off the stumps after it has turned.
The costs are real. A full ball now lands closer to you, so it is harder to drive. Swing and seam have more time to move. If you are hit on the pad while deep, you are often close to the stumps, which can help the bowler win an LBW. Going too far back can also break your own wicket. Under Law 35 you are out hit wicket if your bat or body breaks the wicket while playing the ball.
Tips by skill level
Mark your guard and practise stepping back without touching the stumps. Feel where they are behind you.
Vary your crease position against spin. A bowler who sees you deep may push it fuller. That gives you a chance to drive or come down the pitch.
Example
A spinner keeps landing the ball on a good length. The batter goes deep in his crease. The ball now sits up for him, and he cuts it square for four.
Why it matters
Where you stand changes the length you face. Using the depth of the crease well gives you more options against both pace and spin.
Common mistakes
- Going deep without knowing where your stumps are
- Staying deep against a bowler who pitches it full and swings it
- Going back to every ball, even half-volleys
- Leaning back on the heels instead of moving back in balance
Frequently asked questions
When should I bat deep in the crease?
Bat deep against short, fast bowling or when you want to play spin off the back foot. It gives you more time. Avoid it against full, swinging bowling, where it raises your LBW risk.
Can you be out hit wicket batting deep in the crease?
Yes. If your bat or body breaks the wicket while you play the ball, you are out hit wicket under Law 35. Know where your stumps are when you go back.
Sources
Related terms
- Batting Out of the CreaseBatting out of the crease means taking your stance a step or more in front of the popping crease. It lets you meet swing and seam before the ball moves as far. It also changes the length a spinner must bowl. The costs are a stumping risk when the keeper stands up, plus less time against short balls.
- Back-Foot PlayBack-foot play is batting in which the batter moves the weight back and onto the rear foot to play short-pitched or rising deliveries. This creates time by moving away from the pitch of the ball.
- Hit WicketA batter is out hit wicket if they break their own stumps with their bat or body while preparing to play, or playing, the ball. It also applies when they knock the stumps while regaining balance after the shot, or while setting off for their first run. You cannot be out hit wicket off a no ball, but you can be off a wide.
- CreaseThe crease is any of the white painted lines on the cricket pitch. These lines define legal bowling positions, the safe zone for batters, and the starting point for LBW and run-out adjudications.
- Playing Spin BowlingTo play spin bowling, watch the bowler's hand to read which way the ball will turn and pick up the length early. Be decisive with your feet. Go right forward to smother the spin at the pitch, or right back to play it late off the pitch. Keep your bat in front of your pad and score by playing with the turn.
- Playing Fast BowlingTo play fast bowling, finish any trigger movement before the ball is released so you are still and balanced. Watch the ball from the hand, decide forward or back early and play the ball late under your eyes. Leave balls outside off stump and have a clear plan for the short ball.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.