View Full Version : Why do batsmen always look over their shoulder when they are walking off?
LIONS then DAYLIGHT
6 Apr 2009, 04:20
This may sound like a stupid question but anyway, has anyone else noticed when a batsmen has been dismissed that when they are walking off they always seem to look over their shoulder at something?
What?
This is what I am talking about.
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6565219,00.jpg
It happens almost every game i watch, has anyone else noticed it.
Here are some of the reasons i can think of.
1) The fielders are giving the batsmen a spray and the batsmen is turning around to give a bit back.
2) Batsmen looking back to see a replay on the big screnn.
3) Batsmen looking back to see if the ball was called a no-ball or if they have been recalled.
Thoughts?
notting18
6 Apr 2009, 06:19
It happens in cricket at any level. I'd say it is largely about the player trying to figure out what has happened most of the time, as a wicket is the unexpected and he must start walking as soon as the decision is given. A little banter may also be the reason occasionally.
Mostly point 1, little bit of point 2.
I think you'll find in a majority of cases there has been some chatter from the fielding side and they are looking to see who it is coming from. Always good to match a person to the comment for a subsequent innings or match.
Checking the big screen would only be an option if they have any doubt over the decision, or when they've been "robbed" by a stunning catch. You'd never find a batsman looking at the screen after having his middle stump cartwheeled.
Gunnar Longshanks
6 Apr 2009, 10:40
This may sound like a stupid question but anyway, has anyone else noticed when a batsmen has been dismissed that when they are walking off they always seem to look over their shoulder at something?
What?
This is what I am talking about.
http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6565219,00.jpg
It happens almost every game i watch, has anyone else noticed it.
Here are some of the reasons i can think of.
1) The fielders are giving the batsmen a spray and the batsmen is turning around to give a bit back.
2) Batsmen looking back to see a replay on the big screnn.
3) Batsmen looking back to see if the ball was called a no-ball or if they have been recalled.
Thoughts?I reckon it's because a weird, naked Indian has strolled onto the pitch to help them find themselves.
japaljarri
6 Apr 2009, 13:11
Lots of batsmen do it at all levels and long before tv replays existed.
l reckon it is primarily just the regret and disappointment at getting out. Once you are out you have to start moving straight away and when you are 10-15 away it is almost the first chance you have to think **** thats annoying and you take the chance to look back at the ****ing pitch, bowler, fieldsman, umpire etc etc - all the elements of the dismissal - to try and understand what happened - how you got beat. Its your chance to play it through in your head and then shake your head at the injustice of it all.
A combination of reasons but sometimes they're reacting to what the fielders are saying. I've heard many say this. I recall in that 438 game muppet saying that our players were abusing him most of the way to the pavilion thinking that his wicket had cost them the match.
Sometimes they're looking at the big screen which may be positioned behind them.
I'd saying they are looking at the replay on the big screen or just looking back to think about what the hell just happened.
i do it..
i like to see how damaged the woodwork is without having to be an idiot and look while standing at the crease. You just wanna escape that centre wicket asap when something like that happens.
notting18
7 Apr 2009, 01:49
i do it..
i like to see how damaged the woodwork is without having to be an idiot and look while standing at the crease. You just wanna escape that centre wicket asap when something like that happens.
The one time I never look back is after I've been bowled...just hear the noise and get out of there!