Batting Order and Batting Roles
Also known as: batting order, batting positions, number 3 batter, number three batter, middle order batting, lower order batting, finisher in cricket, anchor batter, floater in cricket
The batting order is the sequence in which a team's batters come in. Openers face the new ball, the number 3 steadies or attacks, the middle order builds and finishes, and the lower order adds late runs. In limited-overs cricket, teams also name roles such as anchor, finisher and floater.
Positions 1 and 2 are the openers. Their job is to see off the new ball and set a platform. Number 3 often comes in early. They must defend against the new ball if a wicket falls quickly, or attack if the openers have done well. Numbers 4 and 5 are the core of the middle order. Lower down come the all-rounders, the wicket-keeper and the bowlers, known as the tail.
Limited-overs teams use roles as well as numbers. An anchor bats through the innings at low risk while others attack around them. A finisher comes in late to hit in the death overs and close out a chase. A floater moves up or down the order depending on the match situation or the bowling. A team might send in a left-hander to keep a left-right partnership going.
The Laws of Cricket do not fix a batting order. Teams choose based on technique, temperament and matchups. Top-order batters need a tight defence and patience against the new ball. Lower-order batters often need to score quickly or protect a partner. Knowing your role tells you what the team wants from you on any given day.
Tips by skill level
Ask your captain what your role is before the match. Plan two or three ways you can do that job.
Practise for the situations your slot brings. A number 3 should practise against the new ball. A finisher should practise hitting from the first ball.
Example
In a T20 chase, the team needs 40 off 18 balls. The captain sends in the finisher at number 5 instead of the anchor to attack straight away.
Why it matters
Each slot needs different skills. Understanding the roles helps you prepare for your position and helps captains get the most from a team.
Common mistakes
- Playing the same way whatever your batting position
- Treating number 3 as a lower-pressure slot than opening
- Sending in a finisher too early or too late
- Moving players around so often that nobody knows their role
Frequently asked questions
What does a number 3 batter do in cricket?
Number 3 often comes in early. They need a sound defence against the new ball if a wicket falls quickly. They also need to attack if the openers have set a good platform.
What is a finisher in cricket?
A finisher is a batter who comes in late in a limited-overs innings. Their job is to score quickly in the death overs and close out a run chase.
What is an anchor in cricket batting?
An anchor bats for a long time at low risk while others attack around them. They hold the innings together and keep wickets in hand for the end.
Sources
Related terms
- Opening Batter (Opening the Batting)Opening batters bat first and face the new ball. To be a good opener, build a tight defence, know where your off stump is and leave well early on. Talk with your partner, run hard and score from bad balls. In limited-overs cricket, openers also use the powerplay to score while the field is up.
- One-Day International (ODI)A one-day international is an international match where each team bats once, for up to 50 overs. Each bowler can bowl no more than 10 overs. The fielding side is limited to two fielders outside the 30-yard circle in overs 1 to 10, four in overs 11 to 40 and five in overs 41 to 50. A tie is settled by a Super Over.
- T20 Batting ApproachT20 batting means scoring quickly from the first ball while keeping enough wickets for the end. Attack the gaps in the six-over powerplay, rotate the strike and pick off bad balls in the middle overs, and save the biggest hitting for the death. Know your best scoring areas and which bowlers you want to target.
- Death OversThe death overs are the final overs of a limited-overs innings, usually overs 17–20 in T20 or 41–50 in one-day cricket. Batters chase runs and bowlers try to limit them.
- Building an InningsBuild an innings in stages. Spend your first balls getting used to the pace and bounce, scoring mainly from singles and bad balls. Once you are set, widen your scoring shots and push the rate. After a milestone, reset and start again instead of relaxing.
- Left-Handed BattingBat the way that gives you the most control, whatever hand you write with. Research has found pro batters are much more likely than beginners to bat with their stronger hand on top of the handle. Left-handers face different angles from bowlers. Left-right partnerships make bowlers keep changing their line.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.