The skills and techniques required for an opening bowler in Cricket is the knowledge of the essential rules of the sport. For example, the bowling and fielding rules are compulsory. The bowling run up and action has to be legal and suitable for the umpire. For example, for any type of bowler it is illegal to throw the ball when bowling. This can be detected by the elbow rotation. If the elbow rotates more than 45 degrees it is classed as an illegal bowl.
Also which is more specific to the opening bowlers knowledge of cricket is the numerous types of bowling, such as straight bowling, swing (both in, out and reverse), slower ball, full toss, yorker and the bouncer. All these types of bowling are restricted by rules. For example, a straight bowl has to be a certain width from the wickets. If it is well off target the in is classed as a wide ball. A wide ball is given always when the ball goes down the leg-side of the batsmen.
This gives runs to the opposition as an extra. There is few more ways to get extras from the opposition. Such as, a no ball, dead ball, bye and leg-byes. A no ball is when the bowler over steps the bowling crease. This equals to the bowler bowling an extra ball with the one extra run. Another ball has to be balled for any type of extra, except for bye and leg-bye. Bye and leg-byes are runs not from the bat. The legal and illegal actions on the field and off the field are closely watched by the games umpires and referees (3rd Umpire), but also need an eye on by yourself.
The demands of the sports are also a vital requirement for a bowler, such as line and length. This is accuracy of where to pitch the ball- Full, Good and Short length. Also the situation of the game depends on how to bowl the perfect bowl (e.g. Yorker at the end of the innings in a one day match.). Other demands of Cricket are to be change direction (flexibility) and speed. This is very essential to become a great bowler. These are basic needs to become a good bowler. Being quick and flexible as a bowler is also very useful because as a fast bowler you will need a strong run up with lots of power and pace.
Physiological requirements of Cricket are also vital to fast bowler. Mentality, endurance, fitness, energetic and morale all adds to the perfect fast bowler, as well as these can be a skill for a bowler; especially mental strength and endurance. Physical figure is just another demand of cricket, even though much activity is done. Being accurate is vital to a bowler but also have a variety of grip, stance and pitch is also very essential. For example, having a different grip on the ball a couple of times during the over lead to the batsmen to think and consequently likely to make a mistake.
This is a perfect example of how to hold a bowl for an opening bowler for a seamer. All fast bowlers grip the seam vertically, with the middle and index fingers on either side, with the ball resting in the third finger and thumb. The straighter the seam when the ball is delivered, the greater the chance of swing, especially when the ball is older with one shiny and one rough side. The perfect Model: A good bowler should have the ability and accuracy to be consistent and controlled in their bowling. They should have the awareness to pick up on a batters weakness and use this to their advantage. A bowler should know the field placing they want. This relies on both the bowler and the batter so the bowler must be confident within their bowling and observant of the way a batter plays.
The communication between the bowler and the captain should continue throughout a bowler’s innings making adjustments throughout the field as their ‘spell’ goes on. Skill What is looked for Run up (approach) Rhythmic, steady run up. Professional cricketers are so precise about their run ups they use tape measures to measure the lengths, so as not to miss a cm out. Coil Bound must be upward rather than leaning backwards. Legs must be in position to land with feet either facing forwards, sideways or 45. The body must be facing the same way as feet with arm ready to load.
Load The load of the ball must be a swift action that is tight to the body to decrease amount of time and space for error. Release The point of release must be high above the body. It is after the feet have landed. The body/feet must not be twisted and the arm must be as high above the body as possible without forcing the head to fall out of the action. Follow Through This must go with the natural flow of momentum. It must go straight over the front foot with a straight head to make sure the bowler does not pull down the side of the seam so the seam stays upright. Analyse and identify in detail the strengths of the player/ competitor/ participant or self.