Do you know what Middle Stump in Cricket is? Read on to master the basics!
There are some very basic things without which the game of cricket cannot be played. Even gully cricket requires a ball, a bat and cricket stumps.
Indian streets are peppered with makeshift stumps made with bricks, stones or broken tree branches. However, in professional cricket matches, stumps have standardized measurements. Let’s get into some details.
What are Cricket Stumps?
Cricket Stumps are the three vertical 28-inch tall posts that support two bails on a cricket pitch. These stumps are usually made of ash wood and together form the wicket.
Each of the three stumps is referred to by a specific name:
Off Stump
This is the stump on the off side of the wicket, close to the batman’s bat.
Middle Stump
This is the centre stump, the middle one of the three stumps.
Leg Stump
This is the stump on the same side as the batsman’s legs.
What is Middle Stump Cricket?
Ever find yourself watching a cricket match and wondering what sets the great players apart?
It’s not just the flashy sixes or the daring deliveries. It’s often the basics that make an ordinary cricketer great.
Some cricketers give in to the crowd and hit recurrent sixes and fours. On the other hand, some stay on the pitch guarding the stumps as long as possible.
This is where middle stump cricket comes in. It is this often-overlooked aspect of the game that holds everything together.
Imagine you’re a bowler, and the batter is eyeing and observing you intently as you prepare for your delivery. Your goal is to hit the wicket and send the batsman back to the pavilion.
The batsman is defending his wicket like a hawk. Now how do you hit the middle stump? Well, you need an incredible skillset and a swift mind to make that happen.
There are some incredible examples of bowlers giving it back to aggressive batsmen. Keep reading to find out!
How do you take the middle stump guard in cricket?
As per his game strategy, a batsman might ask the umpire to play from any of the three stumps for different reasons.
When a batsman takes guard on the middle stump, it helps him judge which balls to leave and which ones to play, as the off stump is closer to his legs, enhancing his decision-making in that area.
However, this stance also increases the risk of being trapped LBW (leg before cricket), as his feet are positioned directly in front of the stumps.
Batsmen who prefer this guard often aim to play more shots in the ‘V,’ targeting the area between mid-off and mid-on.
The Legends Who Nailed It
Rahul Dravid a.k.a. “The Wall” is a former Indian cricketer. His phenomenal batting skills and watertight defence are still the best in the country.
Dravid believed in a steady and methodical approach and mastered the art of middle-stump cricket. His solid technique and game strategy troubled bowlers a lot who often found themselves frustrated, unable to breach his bulletproof defence.
English cricketer Geoffrey Boycott was a phenomenal batsman who valued and protected his wicket like gold. He wasn’t interested in quick runs. Rather, he wanted to stay at the crease as long as possible.
Both these legends understood that while the crowd might love the big shots, it’s the middle stump that truly matters.
If you think about it, how often do you see today’s cricketers prioritize technique over flair? Could we be missing something in the rush for quick runs?
Stories That Stick
Let us look at some anecdotes that showcase the values of middle-stump cricket.
Fred Trueman, one of England’s greatest fast bowlers, was once having a rough day on the field. The Australian batsmen were giving him a hard time, playing aggressive shots.
As an answer to aggressive batting, Trueman went back to the basics, aiming straight at the middle stump. He ended up picking crucial wickets and eventually turned the game around.
This is a reminder of the fact that when things on the pitch aren’t going your way, sticking to the basics can make all the difference. Sometimes, it’s the simplest strategies that work best.
Why Middle Stump Cricket Still Rocks?
In today’s cricket, where dramatic T20s and big-hitting sixes and fours dominate the minds of cricketers, middle stump cricket might seem a bit old school.
While the technique feels orthodox, it still leaves a crucial impact in the face of an intimidating match.
In professional cricket, the middle stump is central to both batting and bowling strategies.
Players who excel at “middle stump cricket” focus on mastering the basics, like defending their wicket and aiming for precision over power.
This approach, although less flashy, is fundamental to the game and often determines the outcome of a match.
Bowlers who can consistently hit that middle stump keep the run rate down, and batters who protect their stumps can anchor an innings.
Sure, the crowd loves a big shot, but It’s these moments of discipline and focus that often win matches, even if they don’t make the highlight reels.
The love for cricket does not solely rely on record-breaking, adrenaline-inducing moments. It is the result of long-practised discipline, calmness of mind and strength of character of many cricketers that make the game what it is!
Next time you’re watching a match, don’t just look for the fireworks. Keep an eye on those excellent yet understated moments of middle stump in cricket.
They might not get the loudest cheers, but they’re the backbone of the game. And who knows? You might start appreciating the beauty in the basics and become a true cricket connoisseur.
