We have all heard good old coaching advice: Wait for the bad ball and put it away. But there is another way.

It’s not a new idea - let’s face it, nothing really is - but with the rise of T20, the increasing scores in limited overs and new training methods it’s coming to fruition after many years.

Swap things around.

Instead of playing the ball on it’s merits, aim to hit the ball into the same place, wherever it is bowled.

The increased pressure to score from more balls in limited overs means you can’t wait as long for a bad ball. That means you need to get creative. So, why not hit the ball into the inevitable gap, whatever the bowler does?

There is always a gap somewhere. The bowler is trying to stop you from hitting it by bowling a ball you are not supposed to hit there.

So flip your mindset and learn to do it.

One example is a fast bowler putting the ball full outside off. To protect the off side they dispense with a fine leg. You hit balls into the well protected area and realise you are getting nowhere. So, you aim for the gap instead of respecting the bowler’s wishes. You step across, and scoop the ball for four through the empty region.

Think in gaps, not in shots.

Practice how you play

Of course, it’s tough to start playing new shots in a game just because there is a gap. You have to practice.

This means having nets where you aim to hit the ball into different gaps, rather than play the traditional way.

Ask the bowler to tell you where they have put their two gaps (or decide for yourself) then try to hit the ball there repeatedly.

This drill is good for teams, but you can also just do it in your own head.

Some shots need more work than others. Some things you will find you can do right away. You have options like:

• Drop and run, how hard to hit the ball to keep it away from fielders and make a single.
• Open or closing the face on straight bat shots.
• Pushing at the ball into gaps in the inner ring.
• Hitting over the top
• Running the ball down to third man
• Sweeping
• Scooping

You may not be AB de Villiers at all of them, but you can build a serviceable option in every one so you have enough confidence to use it to get a boundary or rotate the strike.

But the point is, get out of the idea of reacting to bowling and start controlling it instead. After all, getting runs is your job as a batsman!