Left-Handed Batting
Also known as: batting left handed, left handed batter, left-handed batsman, bat left or right handed, left-right batting partnership, left hand right hand batting combination
Bat 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.
In cricket the top hand guides the bat. A right-handed batter has the left hand on top. A 2016 study by Mann, Runswick and Allen compared pro and inexperienced batters. Pro batters were 7.1 times more likely to bat with a "reversed" stance, with the dominant hand on top. That is evidence of an association, not a rule for every player.
Left-handers see the game from the other side. A right-arm bowler over the wicket angles the ball across a left-hander, towards the slips. Footmarks left by right-arm bowlers' follow-through usually end up outside a left-hander's off stump. Off-spinners aim into that rough. Left-handers often have to judge their off stump carefully against right-arm pace.
Left-right partnerships cause problems for the fielding side. Each time the strike changes, bowlers must change their line and fielders must move. That costs time and rhythm. Many teams pair a left-hander with a right-hander for this reason. In junior cricket, try both ways in the nets if you are unsure which feels natural.
Tips by skill level
If you are unsure, try both stances against gentle throwdowns. Pick the one where your top hand guides the bat most easily.
As a left-hander, learn the angles from right-arm bowlers over and round the wicket. Practise leaving balls angled across you.
Example
A right-handed writer finds she controls the bat better batting left-handed, with her right hand on top. Her coach lets her stick with it. In matches, she and her right-handed partner keep the bowlers changing their line.
Why it matters
Choosing a batting side is one of the first decisions a young player makes. Knowing the evidence and the angles helps you pick the one that suits you.
Common mistakes
- Forcing a junior to bat the same way they write without trying both
- Assuming lines and angles are the same for left- and right-handers
- Forgetting that left-right partnerships need extra-clear calling
- Ignoring the rough outside off stump when batting left-handed
Frequently asked questions
Should I bat left handed or right handed?
Bat the way that gives you the best control, even if it is not your writing hand. Research found pro batters were much more likely than beginners to bat with their stronger hand on top. Try both in the nets if you are unsure.
What are the advantages of being a left-handed batter?
Many bowlers get less practice against left-handers and must change their line. Left-right partnerships also force fielders to move when the strike changes. Left-handers face extra challenges too, such as rough outside off stump.
Why do teams like a left-right batting partnership?
Each change of strike forces the bowler to change line and the captain to move fielders. It disrupts the bowler's rhythm and slows the fielding side down.
Sources
Related terms
- Top HandIn cricket batting, the top hand is the upper hand on the bat handle (for a right-hander, the left hand) and controls straight-bat strokes. A strong top hand keeps the bat face straight through the hitting zone.
- Bottom HandIn cricket batting, the bottom hand is the lower hand on the bat handle, the right hand for a right-hander. It controls cross-bat power and direction; too dominant, it closes the bat face.
- Batting Order and Batting RolesThe 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.
- 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.
- Facing Left-Arm Pace (Over and Round the Wicket)A left-arm fast bowler bowling over the wicket angles the ball across a right-handed batter, from the leg side towards the slips. The danger ball is the one that swings or seams back in after that angle. Know your off stump, avoid planting your front foot across the line and play straight back down the ground.
- Line in Cricket (Off-Stump, Fourth-Stump and Leg-Stump Lines)Line describes how far across the pitch the ball is, from leg side to off side. Common lines are leg stump, middle stump, off stump, and the "fourth stump" and "fifth stump" lines outside off. The fourth stump line is an imaginary stump just outside off stump. Seam bowlers aim there to find edges.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.