Shane Watson, Australia’s legendary all-rounder, recently shared valuable tips for young cricketers on handling fast bowling with greater confidence. Known for his stellar career across formats, Watson represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20Is and left a mark in numerous franchise leagues globally. Renowned as one of cricket’s top seam-bowling all-rounders, the 43-year-old Australian transitioned from a middle-order batter to an opener in all formats.
His ability to read fast bowling was exceptional, enabling him to consistently counter some of the world’s fastest bowlers with solid technique and a full range of shots. Shane Watson, who also coached Delhi Capitals in the IPL, recently posted a video where he hit the nets to illustrate two key techniques for tackling fast bowlers.
Before diving into his tips, he recalled a memorable encounter with Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar, who bowled the fastest delivery Watson ever faced. On his 21st birthday during an ODI at The Gabba, Akhtar’s delivery flew off the pitch, soaring over the keeper’s head after bouncing several times.
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“On my 21st birthday at The Gabba, Shoaib Akhtar bowled what felt like the fastest ball I’ve ever faced. It was really quick, off the back of a length, bouncing high and flying over the keeper’s head for four,” Shane Watson reminisced on his social media post.
Watson’s first tip for facing extreme pace involves adjusting one’s stance at the crease. Typically, batters stand with feet half-and-half on either side of the crease, but Watson suggested moving slightly deeper. This adjustment, he explained, buys a batter a fraction more time to gauge the ball’s length and trajectory.
“When facing a fast bowler, I would stand a little deeper in the crease—not too far back to risk hitting the stumps, but just enough to give myself that split second longer to read the ball,” he advised.
Struggling with fast bowlers? Here’s two crucial tips to handle pace like a champion! 🏏🔥 #CricketTips #FastBowling #ShaneWatson #CricketSkills pic.twitter.com/IAdjoA7zUi
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 9, 2024
The second tip Shane Watson offered was to use a lower backlift when facing fast deliveries. This technique allows batters to better control their timing and take advantage of the bowler’s pace rather than trying to hit the ball too hard. “A lower backlift helps because with less time, you don’t want a high, exaggerated back-and-down motion. Instead, you can keep it compact, using a punchier swing, allowing the ball’s speed to do the work. This way, even a controlled deflection can send the ball racing to the boundary,” he explained.
These adjustments—a lower backlift and a slightly deeper stance—also help batters stay mentally focused, simplifying their approach when facing intense pace. For Watson, the goal is to clear one’s mind, focusing on reacting as quickly as possible.
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“So for me, it came down to these cues: slightly deeper in the crease, short backlift, and then just watch the ball, react as quickly as you can,” he concluded. Shane Watson’s straightforward techniques offer young players a structured way to face fast bowling while minimizing technical and mental clutter. His advice highlights the importance of balance, control, and mental clarity—skills that helped him succeed against many of the game’s fastest bowlers.
