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

#2 Playing with a straight bat

Showing the full face of the bat

A Test match is undoubtedly the greatest test of a batsman's technique and temperament. While T20s have meant that there have been a lot more shots that have been added to the batsman's arsenal, not all of them have a place in Tests. While scoring rates have increased thanks to the shorter formats, the method of scoring is not completely similar.

Cross-bat shots, dinks and scoops might earn plenty of runs in the shorter formats but they are rife with risk in the longest format. And that is precisely why playing with a straight bat is imperative. Whether from the crease or down the track, playing with a straight bat affords the batsman with a sense of control that isn't otherwise possible.

Any angle that you create with the bat is only going to help the spinner in his bid to take your wicket. Especially when you have fielders around the bat, even the slightest angle of the bat can mean that a viciously turning ball can take the edge and find the fielder. So any heaves or slogs should be avoided unless the scenario calls for it.