Former Australia opening batsman Chris Rogers with his coaching tips for opening batsmen in early-season English conditions.
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I use tennis balls because they bounce higher and slower, so to hit the ball into the ground you have to wait get your hands and head over the top of it. I’d have someone throw tennis balls on a good length and imagine there’s a metre-and-a-half semi-circle in front of me. I’m trying to hit the ball down into that area – not dropping it in front of me, still stroking the ball with high hands. That helps me get me ready for playing in conditions where I know the ball will swing, seam and also stick in the wicket a bit. If you get your hands too far out in front you’ll be in a lot of strife.
