Why would anyone try to go up the order and face the demons of the new ball if they are out of form?

It’s not as crazy as it sounds.

Think back to a period of games where you have declared yourself out of form.

The symptoms vary: lack of footwork, late timing and poor shot selection; often many put together.

You need time to get your eye back in and rebuild your shattered confidence.

This is a guest article by club cricketer Brian Wardle

I recently read Bounce: a book by Mathew Syed, who believes everyone has the ability to be successful.

This is a guest article from experienced club cricketer AB

Batting partnerships are crucial to the success of a batting side: a good partnership completely changes the momentum of a game.

Two or three good partnerships is enough to win the match.

It’s controversy all round in the show as David and The Boss take a look at pink balls and floodlit first-class cricket, bad pitches and the fitness – or otherwise – of India’s cricketers.

We also answer questions on fitness and have an interview with Joe Shillaker of SM1 Coaching all about how cricket is an important factor in the wider development of youngsters in society.

It’s an unmissable start to your weekend, or your money back. 

This is a guest article from club cricketer Mat Savage

Never underestimate investment in time over money at club level. 

Professional cricketers are becoming ever more professional in their approach to the game; and it is hard to ignore the commitment and drive given by the players and their coaches.

Amateur clubs don’t hold the budget to invest the training aids and coaches used by the pros; but most amateur players can afford to invest a little extra time developing their game.

The most successful article I ever wrote on PitchVision Academy is nothing to do with me: it was advice that you dear reader gave on bowling.

(It’s so good, the discussion is continuing even now, check it out).

I love how the site generates so much discussion so now I’m opening up the floor to those with a passion for batting.

Here is the question to stir your batting mind:

There is no surer sign that you are a badger, or cricket tragic, that you spend so long talking about the game you almost miss your train.

But it’s not all geeking out over which number 11 has the most Test runs. Becoming obsessed will also make you a better player.

I realise it’s in my interest to tell you that; but hear me out.

With the nights getting longer in the Northern Hemisphere, we sum up our club cricket seasons and discuss the latest cricketer to join PitchVision Academy – JP Duminy.

Burners has a game left, but our case study club – Watsonian – are done and already planning for the winter and following summer.

We also answer your questions this week on coming back after a long lay-off and how important “peaking” is to club cricket. 

If there is one thing I have learned about the fast bowler’s union it’s this: there is a real passion, hunger and knowledge for bowling with pace.

But there is also frustration at the lack of coaching advice that helps you get quicker.

As Ian Pont often says; there is a terrible fear in the cricket world that really fast bowlers are also really injured bowlers. Coaches want to do no harm so they do no coaching to improve speed.

Gifted international batsman, athletic fielder and IPL superstar: JP Duminy even has a bit of a bowl.

There’s no doubt he is a thoroughly modern professional cricketer, and one that has worked hard to become successful. You could do a lot worse than emulate him.