I believe the trend has shifted in the last two decades, with wicketkeepers evolving into some of the best batters in every national side. Earlier, a wicketkeeper would typically bat at No. 6, which meant your next-best pure batter took the No. 5 spot.
But now, wicketkeepers are often among the top batters in the team. In many sides, they end up batting at No. 5. And when they bat at No. 6, it naturally pushes the team to find someone even better to fill the No. 5 role.
At the same time, the sad reality is that almost every team is struggling to find a consistent No. 3 in this era dominated by T20 cricket.
The simplest explanation is sometimes the best… and the best batsmen are simply coming out to bat later.
I wonder what the next stage in the evolution of 1-3 looks like. Opening rounders at 1 & 2, essentially all rounders with good defence? T20 like full attack at 1-3 to shift pressure onto the field and bowlers?
Loved this article. Very interesting!
Thank you!
I believe the trend has shifted in the last two decades, with wicketkeepers evolving into some of the best batters in every national side. Earlier, a wicketkeeper would typically bat at No. 6, which meant your next-best pure batter took the No. 5 spot.
But now, wicketkeepers are often among the top batters in the team. In many sides, they end up batting at No. 5. And when they bat at No. 6, it naturally pushes the team to find someone even better to fill the No. 5 role.
At the same time, the sad reality is that almost every team is struggling to find a consistent No. 3 in this era dominated by T20 cricket.
The simplest explanation is sometimes the best… and the best batsmen are simply coming out to bat later.
I wonder what the next stage in the evolution of 1-3 looks like. Opening rounders at 1 & 2, essentially all rounders with good defence? T20 like full attack at 1-3 to shift pressure onto the field and bowlers?
Opening rounders is a fascinating concept, I like it.