From The Pavilion

Hi all,

I wondered whether anyone had any suggestions for moments where defensive batting could be recommended? Given the limited overs nature of the game, I don't think I've ever put a batsman in D... but I presume I'm missing a trick somewhere.

Thanks,
Lanky

lankyitfc wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 30, 2026 9:30 am

Hi all,

I wondered whether anyone had any suggestions for moments where defensive batting could be recommended? Given the limited overs nature of the game, I don't think I've ever put a batsman in D... but I presume I'm missing a trick somewhere.

Thanks,
Lanky

I sometimes use it for players with accumulator talent - more dot balls potentially giving more oppourtunity for the talent to trigger (likewise if they are batting longer = more triggers). I don't use it for the T20 matches, but for the 50 overs I sometimes have one of the openers on defensive to try and see off the new ball - especially if conditions are friendly to seam bowlers. Not unusual to be bowled out or nearly bowled out in 50-over matches on bowler friendly tracks, so definitely worth considering putting the odd player on defensive.

If I'm playing on a bowling wicket where I think I'm likely to lose a few wickets I will sometimes issue defensive orders in the hopes of batting out the full innings. Particularly for a sticky wicket.