To sweep or not to sweep. Or – how match regulations stunt ambition.

On Monday evenings I coach a promising young player. He tries to batter almost every ball I throw to him, generally successfully. Drives, pulls, lap sweeps from outside off, reverse sweeps.

Yet when he gets a ball just a fraction outside leg stump, he shoulders arms and refuses to play a shot.

Because in local junior cricket, leg side wides are called strictly; and, whilst they are not re-bowled, they score 2, or even 3 runs.

So the young batter has been instucted by his club coach not to play at leg side deliveries , and to take the “free” runs on offer.

Instead of taking the opportunity to free his arms and sweep the ball, he watches it go by.

What a waste!

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