Tailender (Rabbit or Bunny)
Also known as: tailender, tail-ender, tail ender, the tail in cricket, rabbit in cricket, bowler's bunny, lower order batter
A tailender is a player who bats near the end of the order, usually a specialist bowler. The tail is the group of lower-order batters. A rabbit is a very weak batter. A top batter who keeps getting out to the same bowler is called that bowler's rabbit or bunny.
Teams pick batters to bat first and bowlers to bat last. So the last three or four in the order are often bowlers with less batting skill. Commentators call them the tail. When they score useful runs, people say the tail wagged.
Rabbit and bunny are friendly insults. A player who rarely scores is a rabbit. But the words also describe a match-up. If one bowler keeps dismissing a good batter, that batter is said to be the bowler's bunny.
Tailenders can still add real value. Twenty runs at number ten can win a close match. Every player should learn a solid defence, a few safe scoring shots and good running between the wickets.
Tips by skill level
Even if you bowl, spend part of every net on your forward defence. A solid block keeps you in for your partner.
As a tailender, agree a plan with your partner. Decide who takes the strike against the most dangerous bowler.
Example
The score is 180 for 7. The commentator says the tail is in, and the captain brings his fast bowlers back to finish the innings.
Why it matters
Runs from the tail often decide close games. Knowing the terms also helps you follow commentary and team talk.
Common mistakes
- Thinking tailenders do not need to practise batting
- Slogging every ball instead of defending good ones
- Backing away from fast bowling
- Running poorly between the wickets
Frequently asked questions
What is a tailender in cricket?
A tailender is a lower-order batter, usually a specialist bowler, who bats near the end of the innings.
What does it mean to be someone's bunny in cricket?
It means a batter keeps getting out to the same bowler. That batter is called the bowler's rabbit or bunny.
Sources
Related terms
- 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.
- Front-Foot DefenceThe front-foot defence is a defensive batting stroke where the batter strides forward and blocks a good-length ball with a straight, angled bat to keep it down and safe.
- Calling Between the WicketsMany coaches teach that the striker calls for balls hit in front of the wicket and the non-striker calls for balls behind square, where the striker cannot see. Use three clear words: "yes", "no" and "wait". It is a coaching convention, not a Law. Agree it with your partner before you bat.
- 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.
- Not Out and Carrying the BatCarrying the bat means an opening batter is still not out when the rest of the team is all out. They batted through the whole innings. Not out simply means a batter was still in when the innings ended. Scorecards usually show it with an asterisk, such as 45*.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.