Why Do Cricketers Take Guard And How to Ask for it Correctly
Cricket, a gentleman’s game loved by millions across the globe, is full of intriguing rituals and traditions. One such ritual that often catches the eye of spectators is when cricketers take guard before facing a delivery. But have you ever wondered why they do it? Here, we will explore the reason behind this peculiar practice and also discuss the correct way to request for a guard.
Taking guard is a vital part of a batsman’s preparation at the crease. It allows them to position themselves correctly and determine their stance in relation to the stumps. By taking guard, batsmen ensure that they have enough space to play their shots without getting too close to the wickets or standing too far away from them.
To initiate this process, the batsman typically marks his guard with his bat by making a small indentation on the pitch. This helps him maintain consistency in his positioning throughout his innings. The choice of guard may vary depending on various factors such as personal preference, playing conditions, and even the bowler’s style of delivery.
Interestingly, there are different types of guards that batsmen can opt for – leg stump guard, middle stump guard, or off stump guard. These guards indicate where exactly the batsman wants to take position in relation to the stumps. The selection of guard is often influenced by factors like batting style, strengths and weaknesses of the batsman, and even field settings.
Asking for guard correctly is crucial for both batsmen and umpires to avoid any confusion or miscommunication. Batsmen usually ask for their preferred guard by mentioning either “leg”, “middle”, or “off”. Umpires play a key role here by understanding and acknowledging these requests promptly. Clear communication between both parties ensures smooth proceedings on the field.
Cricketers take guard because …