Line and Length Mastery: Consistency Wins Matches

The Foundation of Good Bowling

Consistent line and length is the bedrock of successful bowling. It creates pressure, limits scoring, and creates wicket opportunities.

Optimal Lengths

• Full/Half Volley: 0-2m from batsman, invites drive
• Good Length: 4-6m from batsman, forces decision-making
• Short of Length: 6-8m from batsman, hurries batsman
• Short/Bouncer: 8-10m+ from batsman, shoulder height or above

Line Options

• Off-Stump Line: Classic line, encourages edges
• Fourth/Fifth Stump: Wide enough to tempt, tight enough to threaten
• Middle-Stump Line: Attacking stumps directly
• Leg-Stump Line: Cramping batsman, limiting scoring

Situational Line and Length

• New Batsman: Tight line on/around off-stump, good length
• Set Batsman: Mix lengths, use variations, probe different lines
• Powerplay: Attacking stumps, swing/seam movement
• Death Overs: Wide yorkers, into pitch, denying hitting zones

Adapting to Conditions

• Swinging Conditions: Fuller length, attacking stumps
• Seaming Pitch: Good length on off-stump, let pitch do work
• Flat Pitch: Variations in pace and length, use angles
• Turning Pitch: Spinners attack stumps, vary flight and pace