5 things that a batsman can do to counter spinners on turning tracks

#4 Employ the sweep effectively

The sweep shot can be used to attack or defend

Batting in the sub-continent is difficult for a variety of reasons. Not just because of having to face spinners a lot more than you otherwise would but also because of the constant presence of fielders close to the bat. Whether the spinner is on top or trying to stem the flow of runs, fielders close to the bat remain.

Part of the reason behind that is to get into the mind of the batsmen and win the mental battle. One way to get rid of the fielders, at least in front of the wicket, is to employ the sweep effectively. Irrespective of the line, the sweep can always be employed as long as the ball is full. And while it is not advisable to use it all the time, as a top edge can balloon into a simple catch, effective use of catch will get rid of the close fielders and force the captain to set defensive fields and will give you more opportunities to score runs.

Australia's struggles in Sri Lanka were primarily down to the fact that none of the batsmen were adept at sweeping the turning ball. When you sweep well, you are all but taking the major wicket-taking delivery of the spinner (the full ball) away and you do it often enough and the bowler ends up bowling short, which can then result in easy pickings.