The Keys to your batting success

Hi Coaches,

Well, another KFC T20 Big Bash League season is just around the corner – and we’re preparing for a huge season of Twenty20 cricket.

With batting such a major part of Twenty20 cricket, we have formed a strong batting order for BBL|04. This year it will include the power of KP, leadership from Cameron White, the experience of David Hussey and youthful enthusiasm of Peter Handscomb among others.

The entire batting group looks well placed and the boys are already producing some promising scores.  Positive batting innings are always built on a combination of skill, patience, persistence, hard work and a team-first mentality – all terrific skills when our players are at the crease.

No matter the situation, all of our batsmen need to be able to have the ability to analyse the game and have confidence to execute the team game plan.

It has been promising to see some of our players do exactly that – which is perfect preparation for a return to the fast-paced format of the BBL.

Cameron White showed his leadership and knowledge of the T20 game earlier this month when he put in a match winning performance for Australia against South Africa.

It was a great example of a player following a team strategy to precision.

After coming in at number six, the Man of the Match calmly guided Australia to a close two-wicket win with one ball remaining, hitting 41 runs from 31 deliveries.

While wickets dropped around him, the Stars Captain showed off his experience to excel in the dramatic last over, further staking his claim to once again represent Australia in One-Day Internationals. In my opinion, he would be invaluable in the ODI side!

In the second round of the Sheffield Shield, the rise of Peter Handscomb continued. The 23-year-old struck a career best 134-runs against South Australia. It came on the back of his first ton on the MCG when Victoria took on New South Wales in the first match of the Sheffield Shield.

He continues to bat with extreme precision, skill and confidence – this was all highlighted in one moment in his maiden ton at the ‘G, when he rocketed to 99-runs with a glorious hook shot for six off Josh Hazlewood.

Alex Keath showed his aggressive batting style when he opened the batting for a Cricket Australia XI in perfect fashion by smashing a quick fire 30 from 22 balls, including four boundaries and one six.

Although he would be disappointed he didn’t go on with it, he knew his role at the top of the order to get his side off to a fast start, and executed exactly that.

In the Bushrangers’ final match of the Matador Cup, Marcus Stoinis hit his highest one day score for the Bushrangers when he put together 69 from 89 deliveries.

As we approach the shorter format of the game, batsmen need to tactically combine power and skill – a great recipe for some big T20 performances. The Stars team will all come together on December 10 – a perfect time to reiterate our batting strategies as well as our fielding and batting structures in the nets!

Keep up the great work at your Cricket Club, and keep an eye on the Stars!

Simply sign your juniors up to be Two-Game Melbourne Stars Members for just $10 per participant and they will be able to enjoy the thrills of T20 Cricket live at the MCG!

Your juniors will receive: entry into two Melbourne Stars home matches at the MCG and a membership pack including colouring pencils, birthday card, wristband, key rings, $5 Chemist Warehouse voucher and more!

Simply email bknight@melbournestars.com.au for more information.

We are inviting all junior Under 12 and Under 14 premiership teams from the 2013/14 season to participate in our ‘Walk with the Stars’ lap of honour around the mighty MCG!

This event will be held prior to our first home game when we take on the Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday December 20.

If your Cricket Club or Association has any junior premiership teams which have not yet been contacted please ask them to email bknight@melbournestars.com.au before Tuesday November 25 to get them involved in this special event.