Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Is bowler a unpopular/ disliked position in the cricket team?

42 replies

ToHelenaHandcart · 02/08/2022 19:10

Talking through sport with my son. He was asked to be in the cricket team, but was a bit reluctant. I couldn’t work it out as he’s generally keen on sports, but he says ‘they just wanted me as a bowler. Nobody likes bowling and they just wanted to get me to be it. It’s what no one wants to do me they thought I would’.
He’s very prone to self doubt, so asking others- is it ‘that’ position in a cricket team? He’s always seeeing himself as the not so good one, trying to balance this conversation as I don’t know.

OP posts:
Fozzleyplum · 02/08/2022 19:13

Of course not - bowlers take wickets. Also, catches win matches, and are credited to the bowler.

DS1 is a very competent 21 yr old fast bowler and we've had no complaints!

Tell your DS to look on the web at Jimmy Anderson.

Darlissima · 02/08/2022 19:14

No definitely not- a good bowler is the hero of the team! It is quite a high pressure position though.

XDownwiththissortofthingX · 02/08/2022 19:14

It's as integral and respected a part of any side as any other role or position. I suspect he just doesn't fancy bowling and is using that as an excuse.

If the side were denying him any opportunity to bat or bowl, then had him stuck out in the deep fielding all day, then I'd think he's have a right to feel aggrieved, but if you have the ball in your hand constantly you can't really claim that you are being excluded or are not a important part of the team.

In a match you are going to spend far more time on the field as a fielder than you ever will in the middle with a bat, so it's actually impossible to be more involved than being a bowler, provided you are given opportunity to bowl.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General sports
NothingIsWrong · 02/08/2022 19:15

If someone doesn't bowl, there's no game...

Wombat27A · 02/08/2022 19:17

More work, lots more effort. Physically tiring.

Quite strategic, too.

jalopy · 02/08/2022 19:20

Being skilled at bowling is brilliant. Both my sons, now adult, play for their respective community teams. They prefer this to batting.

MikeWozniaksMohawk · 02/08/2022 19:21

Bowling is very important and a much more skilful position than batsman at a young level I would say. It’s a difficult thing to do well whereas most “sporty” kids can hit a ball. He should look up Jimmy Anderson and Shane Warne (especially Warne’s ball of the century against Gatting at Old Trafford - there’s even a song about it by the Duckworth Lewis Method)

Original poster
ToHelenaHandcart · 02/08/2022 19:22

It’s just a local U11/ U13 team, nothing fancy. Local league but pretty informal. I know nothing about it, but some matches are short- maybe simpler?

He’s small for his age and he thinks he gets it as he has little power for batting/ chucking so far. He’s though very accurate throwing as a plus though.

maybe there’s a level of segregation he’s got upset about? Being made to stand away from others and do a different skill a lot, instead of hanging out with the crowd in training.

OP posts:
MadameRanevskaya · 02/08/2022 19:22

I’m quite surprised to read this as when my son played cricket they all wanted to be the bowler. I suppose it is quite exposed as everyone is watching though

Original poster
ToHelenaHandcart · 02/08/2022 19:23

In training they seem to some night just vary him and the coach bowling for ages, whilst the others get more relaxing time.

OP posts:
Breathmiller · 02/08/2022 19:31

It seems a shame that at this level they aren't getting a turn in different positions. My son is in an U12 and even at matches against other local teams they rotate so everyone gets a turn at bowling, batting and fielding.

My son loves bowling. In fact he wanders round constantly practising his throwing technique. In tesco, in the kitchen, he even tries it in the car! He's obsessed. It's very skilled, got to get that arm right and try for spins.

Maybe there is a general not including your son and he's attached it to the position of bowling? Can you speak to a trainer? Check others are not excluding him. Sometimes the match team is made up of a cliquey group and my son feels a little out of it. But he loves cricket so just accepts these matches. Most of the time everyone is great.

I think at this age its good to check in.

cakeorwine · 02/08/2022 19:55

This is probably the worst place in a cricket team

Is bowler a unpopular/ disliked position in the cricket team?
Brented · 02/08/2022 19:58

Absolutely rubbish. The bowler is key! Speaking as a fast-medium bowler myself!

LIZS · 02/08/2022 20:00

No it is fine. It might mean he is well down the order to bat though.

FartOutLoudDay · 02/08/2022 20:00

DH is a wicket keeper and appreciated a good bowler far more than any other position - less tiring for him!

TonTonMacoute · 02/08/2022 20:05

My son loves bowling. In fact he wanders round constantly practising his throwing technique. In tesco, in the kitchen, he even tries it in the car! He's obsessed. It's very skilled, got to get that arm right and try for spins.

Laughed out loud at this, it’s so familiar from when DS was that age Grin. I don’t think they even know they’re doing it half the time.

OP, it sounds like your DS has some potential and they are giving him a bit of extra coaching to hone his technique, but if he’s feeling a bit left out maybe a quiet word with the coach to get to the bottom of things might be in order.

PlanetNormal · 02/08/2022 20:16

Definitely not. Bowling is half of the game, and it every bit as important as batting. Some of the greatest legends in the history of cricket were bowlers : Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Malcolm Marshall, Jimmy Anderson, Katherine Brunt. Generally tall, strong athletic kids become bowlers. It’s fun to charge in and hurl the ball down fast to intimidate the batters.

TakeYourFinalPosition · 02/08/2022 21:15

My son loves bowling. In fact he wanders round constantly practising his throwing technique. In tesco, in the kitchen, he even tries it in the car! He's obsessed. It's very skilled, got to get that arm right and try for spins.

Had to laugh at this; my husband hasn’t bowled in at least eight years and he still does this 😂

Floralnomad · 02/08/2022 21:19

I think your son is just not interested in cricket @ToHelenaHandcart , bowling is as popular a skill as batting and a team even at local kids level will have a few bowlers .

Hellocatshome · 02/08/2022 21:23

How old is he? A good cricket club shouldn't make them specialise too young but to be honest when my son played all the kids wanted to bowl, fielding can get a but ckting depending where you are standing. And depending on age he should still be getting to bat despite being a bowler.

Hellocatshome · 02/08/2022 21:26

Ah just seen under 11s/13. Under 11s was pairs cricket when my son did it so he should still be getting to bat, maybe he will be lower down the order in under 13s. I would speak to the coach abiut how much time he is spending away from the main group and that he is nktnrrally enjoying it. Sounds like they have spotted a talent and are trying to nurture it but thats no good if he's not enjoying it

Neighneigh · 02/08/2022 21:31

My 12 year old is also prone to self doubt and cricket has been the best thing he ever took up. Have a chat with your coaches as it sounds like they've spotted he might be good, and want to give him a little extra attention. Being asked to bowl means they think he can help his team win!

Original poster
ToHelenaHandcart · 02/08/2022 21:32

Tbh he’s not in love with cricket, it’s just there’s a pitch nearby and it’s nice to get out and play a sport with others- he has no dreams of playing for England! He does however generally like any sport socially

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 02/08/2022 21:34

ToHelenaHandcart · 02/08/2022 21:32

Tbh he’s not in love with cricket, it’s just there’s a pitch nearby and it’s nice to get out and play a sport with others- he has no dreams of playing for England! He does however generally like any sport socially

I think you definitely need to speak to the coaches and explain he enjoys playing and enjoys the social aspect but isn't enjoying the current set up with the separate coaching. They would rather know than him stop going completely.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 02/08/2022 21:39

DS plays U13 cricket. They all get a go at bowling.

Swipe left for the next trending thread