Bowling in the Powerplay

In this lesson you will review what the powerplay means for bowlers. Under standard T20 playing conditions, the first six overs of each innings are the powerplay, during which no more than two fielders may be outside the thirty-yard circle. This gives batters a chance to hit over the infield with less risk, so scoring rates are often high. For bowlers, it is also a great chance to take early wickets, because the ball is new, the batters are not yet set and catching fielders can be placed close in. Always check the WFA competition regulations, as powerplay lengths can be adjusted, for example in rain-shortened matches.

• First six overs under standard T20 conditions
• Max two fielders outside the circle
• Batters can attack over the infield
• Check WFA regulations for shortened matches

In this lesson you will learn how to make the most of the new ball. A new ball is hard, shiny and has a prominent seam, so it is most likely to swing and seam early on. Pitch the ball up enough to give it time to move, ideally on a full or good length in the channel just outside off stump, or straight at the stumps to bring bowled and lbw into play. Look after the shine as a team, polishing the ball fairly without artificial substances. If the ball is not swinging, focus on hitting a hard length and varying your pace. Talk with your captain about which end suits you best.

• The new ball swings and seams most early on
• Pitch it up in the channel or at the stumps
• Polish fairly without artificial substances
• If there is no swing, hit a hard length

In this lesson you will think about the balance between taking wickets and limiting runs. Early wickets in the powerplay can derail a batting side, so attacking with a slip and full lengths is often worthwhile. However, the restrictions mean that a loose ball is easily hit for four, and a costly powerplay can put the bowling side under pressure for the rest of the match. Good powerplay bowlers attack with accuracy, making the batter play at every ball. If the batter is attacking strongly, you might shift to a tighter, straighter line with a field to cut off boundaries, while still looking for a mistake.

• Early wickets can derail the batting side
• Loose balls are punished with the field up
• Attack with accuracy and make the batter play
• Adapt to contain when batters attack strongly

In this lesson you will learn which lines and lengths tend to work. A full, straight ball that swings late is hard to attack and brings bowled and lbw into play. A hard length just outside off stump makes it difficult to hit cleanly over the infield. Short, wide balls are dangerous, as batters can cut or slash them over the fielders in the ring. Many bowlers also use a well-directed bouncer to surprise a batter looking to drive, with the Laws and competition limits always respected. Mix your lengths sensibly, but keep returning to your best ball. Accuracy is more important than pace in this phase.

• Full, straight and late swing is hard to attack
• Hard length outside off limits clean hits
• Avoid short, wide balls over the ring
• Accuracy matters more than pace

In this lesson you will learn how spinners can succeed in the powerplay. With batters keen to attack and only two fielders outside the circle, spinners need excellent control. Bowling a little quicker and flatter, attacking the stumps and denying width makes it hard for batters to get under the ball. Off-spinners bowling to left-handers, or turning the ball away from the bat, can be very effective. Changes of pace and trajectory keep the batter guessing. Set fields to protect the most likely boundary areas, such as long-on and deep mid-wicket, using the two outfielders wisely. A spinner who concedes few runs in the powerplay is a huge asset.

• Spinners need excellent control
• Quicker, flatter and at the stumps
• Turn the ball away from the bat where possible
• Use the two outfielders wisely

In this lesson you will learn how to set fields within the restrictions. With only two fielders outside the circle, you must decide where those two will protect. For a new-ball seamer, common choices are third man and fine leg, or a deep fielder at the batter's favourite area. Inside the ring, you can have a slip or gully for catches and fielders saving one to build pressure. Make sure your field matches your plan, for example a ball outside off stump with off-side protection. Remember that breaching the restriction results in a no-ball, so captains and fielders must count carefully before every delivery.

• Choose where the two outfielders protect
• Catchers and fielders saving one inside the ring
• Match the field to your plan
• Count fielders: a breach is a no-ball

In this lesson you will learn how to cope when an opening batter attacks from the first ball. Stay calm and remember that aggressive batters also take risks, which creates chances for you. Stick to your strengths, keep the ball full and straight or on a hard length outside off stump, and avoid offering width. A well-timed slower ball or bouncer can disrupt their rhythm, while a tight over can increase pressure on them to take bigger risks. If you are hit for boundaries, reset quickly and do not try something you have not practised. Talk with your captain about adjusting the field if the batter finds a favourite area.

• Aggressive batters take risks, creating chances
• Stay full and straight or on a hard length
• Use variations to disrupt rhythm
• Reset quickly and adjust the field with your captain