Blood Bowl is a dice and turn based board game where players compete in an American football/rugby style sport with fantasy characters like Orcs, Elves and the like. What can that possibly have to do with playing better cricket?

You'll be surprised.

One of the key aspects of Blood Bowl is "skills" where players can be given better attributes at throwing, tacking and a bunch of other crazy thing. As coach, you get to decide which players get which skills. That means there is a tactical element: You need to decide what skills are best used by players.

For example, it's a waste to give your team catcher the "Accurate" skill, but it's perfect for your team thrower to execute a pinpoint pass.

Let's turn this idea to your cricket.

If you are an opening fast bowler, you would be far better served with a outswinger than you would building big innings with the bat.

Your fielding skills can be position specific, so you can forget your slip skills if you spend all your time going from mid on to fine leg.

The list goes on.

Can you see my point?

It's vital to look at your job in the team, and - as you build up your real life experience points - develop your skills in practice based on what you do in games.

All this takes is thinking of yourself as the coach of your own Blood Bowl team. Pick your skills and pile on the abilities!

Just remember that killing the opposition is only a legitimate tactic in the board game.