Lead story: Bowling machine fails to pitch it right for batters

The disadvantages of using a cricket bowling machine far exceed its advantages leaving batsmen confused on whether to use it or not.

One such contraption was gifted to the Gurdaspur coaching centre by the previous Deputy Commissioner (DC) Himanshu Aggarwal, a doctor at heart and a keen cricket enthusiast whose love for lofting the ball was well-known in cricket circles. He had also presented a speed-gun and an electronic scoreboard to the centre.

The first ever bowling machine was installed in the early twentieth century in the famous Alf Gover cricket school in London. Thereafter, the concept caught up with cricket playing countries throughout the world, but with mixed results. Alf Gover used a mechanical machine while these days, electronic machines are in use.

Batters at the Gurdaspur centre say they are confused whether the device is actually improving their batting prowess or leaving more gaps in their technique than needed.

Coach Rakesh Marshal says the contraption can lead to a lack of realism and pragmatism. It actually leads to unhealthy batting habits. “It can be used only for focused practice to develop particular shots. Such machines cannot replace real bowlers,” he said.

Its biggest drawback is that it can hurl the ball only at a particular spot with the same speed, unless changed for the next ball. “In this way, the batter knows where the ball is going to land. He also knows its speed, line and length and hence, can adjust accordingly and play his shots,” said Marshal.

Among its advantages is that the machine delivers balls at a predictable speed and length, thus allowing for focused and repetitive practice. It also allows batters to work on specific weaknesses in their techniques. Shot selection and timing too can be improved. Skills too can be upgraded as a batter can face a large number of deliveries in a short period of time.

A regular bowler takes a long run-up to deliver a ball which consumes time during a practice session while a machine can throw regular balls without any break. “This way, a batter can play more balls as compared to batting in a practice session,” he added.

A former India fast bowler had once disclosed that the machine is unable to replicate a bowler’s action. “Over-reliance on such devices can lead to batsmen developing incorrect techniques, particularly pertaining to footwork and shot selection,” he said.

The consensus among batters at the Gurdaspur coaching centre is that its disadvantages far exceed its advantages. Reason enough why coaches use it rarely. “It is quite helpful on a rainy day when we cannot practice outdoors. Otherwise, it is just an appliance whose output is zero,” said a state cricketer.

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