The mental routine is critical to any success because managing the inner game and what the batter is looking for is what allows them to be mentally and physically in the right place for each delivery. If you are mentally all over the place, your body will follow, and your vision will blur.
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen ponders his dismissal in Perth in the summer of 2013-14. Credit: AP
Against express pace, two further rules stand out as the most counterintuitive, yet most critical, for a batter to follow:
1. Expect the full ball
On a pitch where the majority of deliveries will be short, the successful batter must mentally expect the full ball. This is not about guessing; it’s about tactical preparation. The full ball is the first point of release; therefore, the most immediate point of danger.
By preparing for the full ball, the batter’s body is organised in a neutral position. The subconscious mind then takes over: if the ball is still in the bowler’s hand beyond a certain point, the mind automatically registers that it can no longer be a full delivery and instantly plants the front foot to push back and cover the short ball.
If a batter anticipates the short ball first, they start organising themselves to play that delivery, but should the ball be a full delivery, they won’t have time to adjust, making scoring from that delivery most unlikely. The most successful batters learn to organise for full, and then push back.
2. Look to score, not just survive
Another key paradox is that a batter must always be looking to score runs. Against express pace, you must have a strong method that allows you to score runs from any ball. If you are only a back-foot player or predominantly a front-foot player, your scoring options will be limited.
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Merely attempting to survive creates a static posture, making the batter slow to move and unable to transition their weight effectively. They become sitting ducks. By contrast, looking for a scoring opportunity forces the batter into a dynamic, ready position.
The paradox of pace extends to the bowlers, too. For those arriving in Perth, the excitement of seeing the ball fly through to the wicketkeeper is often overwhelming. The temptation is to bowl short, short, and then even shorter.
The counterintuitive move is to pitch the ball up. Excessively short bowling is a fundamental error for two major reasons: firstly, it removes two of the most potent modes of dismissal in Test cricket – bowled and leg before wicket – which require a fuller length. Secondly, it is a risk, as the batter can comfortably leave the ball or use its pace for easy boundaries, thus leaking runs. Discipline with a slightly fuller length, allowing the pitch to generate the venom, is the ultimate secret to success here.
The New Zealand pace attack during the 2019-20 Test at Optus Stadium fell into this trap. Despite having a highly skilled pace battery, they consistently bowled too short in Australia’s first innings, trying to exploit the bounce. This was a strategic mistake that played directly into the hands of the batters, including Marnus Labuschagne, who were able to score freely, leading to a massive Australian total of 416 that effectively ended the contest early.
Furthermore, the characteristics of the Perth pitch exponentially increase the number of catching chances behind the wicket. These edges come quickly, demanding razor-sharp reflexes and excellent positioning. The slip cordon in Perth is not a luxury; it is an operational necessity. The good news for the fielders is that the bounce means the catches are usually coming from knee height and above, offering a slightly better sight of the ball – but demanding total readiness.
I expect Australia to start favourite because of their experience in the conditions. With Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland each having sent down plenty of balls in Perth, I expect them to adapt to the conditions more quickly than England. In fact, Perth and Brisbane are as unique as any two pitches in world cricket. The Australians’ experience in these conditions gives them a considerable advantage. If they use that experience well, the odds favour the hosts.
The ultimate lesson of the fastest wicket in the world is that raw power is often defeated by subtle intelligence. The victory goes to those who embrace the brilliant, counterintuitive paradox of pace.
