subshakerz
Hall of Fame Member
Excellent points.How far back does the 'current era' extend?
A few in my opinion:
- Ability to play any kind of movement (seam, swing, spin) has decreased thanks to hard-handed forward-trigger techniques that are good for T20.
- Also in line with said technique, the quality of back foot play has gone down (as with the aforementioned decline of the cut shot)
- Ability to construct an innings is decreasing (very noticeable in the current generation of Australian FC batsmen), again a T20 influence (through coaching at the junior level).
- Fast bowling variety with the old ball has gone down, even on dry pitches. It seems like if it's not reversing everyone just bowls ordinary seam up. If there pitch is turning, why not try some cutters?
- No-one bowls slower balls in tests now, which could be handy for breaking those tailend partnerships. Especially inexplicable considering almost every decent fast bowler can bowl two and employs them in T20s.
And I disagree with this. You don't get good at anything by not practicing it. It seems like the attitude now is now to not bother if it's not reversing.