Cricket’s most coveted batting position, Number 3 greats
Batting at number 3 position has always been a challenge for the batsmen of the World. It is a real test of your ability, mental strength and performance.
We have to look at certain credentials required to be a great number three batsman. Technique, temperament, ability to dominate, and performing under pressure, are necessary for a great number 3 batsman.
Sometimes, a wicket falls very early, and the one down batsman has to come in early on during the innings. Therefore, he should have the technique of an opener to see off the new ball, and make sure that an early collapse does not happen. A number 3 batsmen is required to have an ability to dominate bowling attacks. This is very important because an early wicket can stop the flow of runs. His ability to score runs when the chips are down, can take the attack back to the bowlers
A one-down batsmen should have the ability to bat under pressure, when early wicket falls. Early spells from new ball bowlers is very crucial and they are often on a high after taking an early wicket. So it is a test of character for the batsmen coming in after an opener exits early. Depending on the situation the batsmen have to play different types innings.
Some of the best batsman in different eras has been the most successful ones at the coveted number 3 position.
Sir Donald Bradman, the great Australian batsman, is arguably, the greatest batsman. Runs machine, as they call him. Testimony to his greatness is his record stats. He has amassed 6996 runs, in 52 matches, at an average of 99.94, with 29 hundreds. He has scored 5078 runs in 40 matches at an unbelievable average of 103. Considering the fact he has played his cricket only in two conditions. He has played 25 of these matches at number 3 in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, scoring 2916 runs at 97 with 11 hundreds. The Don has played 15 matches in England at number 3, scoring 2162 runs at an average of 113 with 9 hundreds, 334 being his best.
It will still be an understatement, but the fact is he has been less successful at numbers other than 3. We come to know this by comparing his batting stats at positions other than number 3. He has played 18 matches at positions other than number 3, and has scored 1918 runs at an average of 91, scoring 9 hundreds with the best of 304.
Vivian Richards, one of the most prolific batsmen at number 3 played in an era that was dominated by fast bowlers. His ability to dominate bowling attacks on those green, bouncy, swinging and seaming wickets was a treat to watch. Nobody can take his place as the most destructive batsman in the history of cricket. Richards’s statistics are right up there with the very best, but statistics alone might not reveal his calibre. He has 8540 runs to his name in 121 matches at an average of 50.23, scoring 24 hundreds with the best of 291. At number 3 he has played 45 Test matches, scoring 3508 runs at an average of 61 with 12 hundreds. At home, at number 3, Richards has 1342 runs to his name at an average of 55 with 6 hundreds. Away from home, he has gathered 2166 runs at an average of 65 with 6 hundreds. Now, if we compare his above stats with his batting positions other than number 3. We will come to know that his stats dipped as did Bradman’s. He scored 5032 runs batting at other positions with an average of almost 45.
In today’s age, Kumar Sangakkara is the most prolific number 3 batsman in the World. In 83 Test matches he has played at number 3 he has scored 7283 runs at an average of 60 with 22 hundreds. At home, he has 4246 runs to his name in 46 matches with an average of 69 with 14 hundreds. Away from home, he averages 50, and has scored 3137 runs in 38 matches with 8 hundreds. Batting at positions other than number 3, he has just scored 733 runs with a single Test hundred at an average in the mid 40’s.
So it is obvious, your best batsman should play at number 3. He has the best chance of being more effective at number 3.
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