9 batsmen who use their feet well against spinners

9 batsmen who use their feet well against spinners: On several occasions we have seen that batters come down the track and use their feet against spinners. But why do they do that? There are reasons why some players are successful against spin while others aren’t. If we talk in pure cricketing sense then countering spin requires some real abilities. The spinners generally setup the batsmen by bowling in a rhythm. And if spinners start bowling at immaculate line and lengths then they dictate terms to the batters. Generally those who are inapt at using their feet against spinners are found frozen and dumbfound in the crease.

Playing spin is an art and using feet is one of the key determinants of a good player of spin. The prime motive behind using the feet is to pick the length of the ball early and get as close to the ball as possible, and to get into a good position. It also unsettles the spinners and they fear giving much air to the ball and are forced to bowl on a flatter trajectory. Such batsmen are nimble-footed and can read the spinners out of their hands which aids them in having assured foot movement because there is not much of a reaction time after the ball is delivered. It also forces the captain to take out the close in fielders. Especially on rank turners this skill helps the batsmen in changing ends.

These batsmen masterly use the depth of the crease and rock on the back foot as well as on the front foot at will. It requires meticulous skills and self-belief to use your feet. But over the years few prodigal batters have been able to do so. Generally we associate Asian players with this skill but there have been a few non-Asian players as well who have used this ability to perfection.

Here we list 9 batsmen who use their feet well against spinners:

1. Michael Clarke (Australia):

Michael Clarke is hailed as an exceptional player of spin. And why he wouldn’t be as well? In the very 1^st Test match of his career he was confronted with the nerve-wracking challenge of countering Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh who were pioneers of spin bowling especially in tandem in there den. But, Clarke right from the beginning seemed apt at using his feet against the turning ball. He who is equally good against pace; would come down the track to get to the pitch of the ball and punishes the spinners while at times he was right there to defend it. Michael has combated spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan, Harbhajan and Kumble which reflects his meticulous skills against spin.