5 batsmen with unorthodox technique who have conquered the challenges of Test cricket

#1 Sir Donald Bradman

Bradman had an exaggerated follow through like a golfer which facilitated greater power in his shots

Sir Donald Bradman is regarded as the greatest batsman ever to play the game and arguably the best cricketer ever. With a record high average of 99.94 over 80 Test innings and a First-class average of 95.14 over 334 innings, Bradman is truly an all-time legend of the game.

Many cricket students from around the world have deeply studied Bradman's unorthodox batting technique which brought him so much success. His self-developed batting technique and immense concentration were the keys to his success. Bradman's grip and wide side-on stance and placing the bat between the feet(rather than behind the rear leg which is common) lead to a crooked bat lift with the face of the bat pointed at the slip cordon rather than straight back. This allowed Bradman to play shots like the cut and pull while ensuring the ball is kept down and doesn't loft and go aerial. Bradman maneuvered the bat through a continuous arc and back towards the plane of the ball during the downswing in preparation for impact. After striking the ball Bradman had an exaggerated follow through with his bat ending up over his shoulder and along with his spine like a golfer. This method allowed him greater power in his shots.

Bradman strongly stuck with his unorthodox batting style and used it to become a prolific run scorer and the best batsman in cricket history. He demonstrated great willpower and concentration in crafting some of the greatest Test innings like his 334 against England and 299 not out against South Africa.

New Zealand v West Indies - Third Test: Day 1