Nervous Nineties
Also known as: nervous nineties, nervous 90s, getting out in the nineties, out in the nineties, nerves near a century
The nervous nineties is the stage of an innings when a batter's score is between 90 and 99. Batters often tense up as a century gets close. Some freeze and stop scoring, while others rush with a risky shot. The fix is to keep playing the ball in front of you, not the milestone.
A hundred is the biggest batting milestone, so the last few runs can feel huge. Batters start thinking about the score instead of the ball. Some become very defensive and dot balls pile up. Others try to get there with a big shot and hole out.
Good batters stick to the method that got them to 90. They keep looking for singles, leave what they would normally leave and attack only bad balls. Breaking the target into small steps helps, such as one run at a time.
Teammates can help too. A partner who keeps the strike moving and talks calmly between overs takes some pressure off.
Tips by skill level
When you get close to a milestone, tell yourself 'same plan, next ball'. Then look for a single.
Practise scenarios in the nets where you need ten runs off 15 balls without getting out. It trains calm scoring under pressure.
Example
On 94, a batter stops looking for singles and blocks 12 balls in a row. Then he charges a spinner and is stumped on 94.
Why it matters
Getting out in the nineties costs runs and confidence. A plan for this stage helps you turn good innings into centuries.
Common mistakes
- Checking the scoreboard after every ball
- Stopping singles and freezing at the crease
- Trying to reach 100 with one big shot
- Changing the method that got you to 90
Frequently asked questions
What are the nervous nineties?
They are the scores from 90 to 99, when batters often get tense as a century nears. Some freeze, and some rush a risky shot.
How do I stop getting out in the nineties?
Keep the method that got you there. Look for singles, leave what you normally leave and attack only bad balls.
Sources
Related terms
- CenturyA century is a batting milestone of 100 or more runs scored by a single batter in one innings — the most celebrated individual achievement in cricket batting.
- Half-Century (Fifty)A half-century, or fifty, is an individual score of 50 to 99 runs in one innings. Batters usually raise their bat to the crowd and dressing room when they reach it. Once a batter gets to 100, the score counts as a century instead.
- Nerves Before BattingFeeling nervous before you bat is normal, and a little helps you stay sharp. Get padded up early, watch the bowlers and plan your first few balls. Take slow breaths with a long out-breath. Then focus only on watching the next ball. The aim is to manage nerves, not to get rid of 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.
- Concentration in a Long InningsNobody can concentrate hard for hours, so good batters switch on and off. Relax between balls by looking away and walking towards square leg. Switch on fully as the bowler runs in, with one simple cue like 'watch the ball'. Break the innings into small targets such as the next five overs.
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