As we all know, Cricket is a game between bat and ball. Sometimes, batters rule bowlers, and there are some instances in which bowlers catch batters in their traps. Many international batters are very technically sound and tackle any bowling variations very quickly. While some batsmen are weak against swing bowling, bowlers take benefit of their weaknesses. So, here’s a list of ten batters who are helpless against swing.
1. Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill is a right-handed, aggressive opening batsman from New Zealand. He is known for his bold batting style. Guptill is considered the best batsman of New Zealand in T20 Cricket, as he is New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in T20 International. But apart from his extraordinary abilities, it is often observed that he has a terrible record against swing bowling as he has disappointing averages in countries like England and Australia. Guptill has an average of only 29 in red-ball cricket.
2. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag is the most aggressive opener that India has ever produced. He was the first one who introduced aggressive cricket in test matches. In any format of this game, Sehwag used to start the match with a boundary. He has a rare record of hitting two triple-centuries in test cricket. Despite his records, Sehwag’s footwork was the primary concern. The Sultan of Multan had often faced difficulties against swing bowlers like Mohammad Asif James Anderson. In England, he has an awful average of 27 as an opener in test cricket.
3. Jason Roy
Jason Roy is a right-handed opening batsman from England. He can hit the ball from the very first over. Roy played a crucial role in England’s World Cup team in 2019. Currently, he is one of the best white-ball batsmen in England. But when it comes to red-ball cricket, Jason Roy does not match his standard of white-ball cricket. He has only played 5 test matches for England, with an average of 18.7.
4. Shane Watson
Shane Watson is one of the best all-rounders in Australia. He had a fantastic ability to strike the balls as well as take the crucial wickets in middle overs. Sometimes, in ODIs, Shane Watson used to open for Australia. He has terrific records in ODI and T20 cricket. But in test cricket, Shane Watson did not perform consistently. He used to be in and out of the test team. His records against swing bowlers are average, as often he got dismissed by Broad and Anderson. In 59 test matches, Watson has an average of only 35.
5. Babar Azam
Apart from Pakistan’ Bowling, this country has produced some great batsmen like Younis Khan and Inzmam Ul Haq as well. Babar Azam is emerging as one of the best batters in Pakistan. Currently, he is ranked No.1 in batsman in ODI cricket. But apart from his excellent records, he has a weak link against swing bowling. Recently, in an Asia Cup, Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar with his swing bowling. Still, he has to develop the technique to play swing effectively.
6. Keaton Jennings
Keaton Jennings is a South African-born English player. He is a left-handed opening batsman from England. Recently, Keaton was appointed as the new captain of Lancashire in County Cricket. For England, he has played 17 test matches in which he scored 781 runs with an average of 25, as he is weak against swing bowling, and in test cricket, England pitches provide help to swing bowlers like Anderson and Broad.
7. Rohit Sharma
India’s Current Captain, Rohit Sharma, is a nightmare for every bowler. He is the only one to score three double centuries in ODI cricket, along with the most centuries scored by an Indian in T20 International. Recently, Rohit has broken Chris Gayle’s record of most sixes in cricket. But, like every batter has some loopholes, Rohit has as well. His records against swing bowling are very pathetic. Rohit has always faced difficulty against Dale Steyn and Anderson.
8. Jeet Raval
Jeet Raval is a left-handed batsman and Leg spinner from New Zealand. He has played 24 test matches for New Zealand, in which he has scored 1143 runs with an average of only 30. Throughout his career, Jeet Raval faced difficulties against swing. Swing always has been a big hurdle for him.
9. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan is a left-handed, fearless opening batsman from India. He is also known as the Mr. ICC, as he has been excellent in ICC tournaments. In ODIs, Shikhar’s partnership with Rohit used to give a great start to India. In 167 ODIs, he has scored 6793 runs with an average of 44. But unfortunately, he does not have good records in test cricket. In 34 test matches, he has scored only 2315 runs with an average of 40. His performances in overcast conditions against swing are very decent.
10. Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka’s current batting star, Kusal Mendis, is a right-handed batsman and wicketkeeper who is known for his aggressive playing style. After Dasun Shanaka got injured, Kusal Mendis was appointed as t the new captain of Sri Lanka. He has a decent average of 32 in ODIs. In test cricket, he has scored 3988 runs with an average of 36.6, as he has played most of the matches in sub-continent pitches. But against swing conditions, he has often faced difficulties.
