Top 5 cliches used in cricket

Dale Steyn – Pitching it “in the right areas”

During pre-, mid-and post-match shows, presentation ceremonies and interviews, these are few lines I have encountered more than once. They have almost become part of the vocabulary of every person who talks about cricket.

5. Balance to the team

Usually by a captain when trying to justifying the inclusion of a bit-and-piece player.

“He is left arm and is deceptively quick. He provides a different dimension into the attack. Can bowl in the death bowlers, inside the power-plays. Also a handy lower order batsman and can be used as a floater. He gives us lots of option and provides the balance to the team.”

4. Lots of positives

A loosing captain whose team has snatched defeat from winning position.

“We were in the match for most of the time. We created a few chances but unfortunately did not capitalize on them. But there are lots of positives to take from this match. We lost the match in the last ten overs of each innings. This is a learning curve for the youngsters in the team and hopefully they will learn from their mistakes.”

3. One ball at a time

An in-form batsman.

“I am very comfortable where I am now. I am not thinking about the past or what will happen in the future. Just trying to remain calm and take it one ball at a time and play each ball to its merit. It’s great to score runs and contribute to the teams cause. Let’s hope that I will be able to extend the dream run.”

2. Can only control the controllable

A player looking for his anticipated debut or a dropped player eyeing a comeback.

“I have been scoring runs/ taking wickets in the domestic circuit. I will continue to do that, the rest of the things are in the hands of the selectors. I cannot think about other players and honestly, I am very happy for the youngsters (in case of come-back), they are doing terrific job. I can only control the controllable and for me it is about scoring runs. Selection is something which is not in my hand.”

1. In the right areas

A bowler who has sacrificed some pace for line and length.

“Earlier I just tried to run in and bowl as fast as I can and was expensive at times. Now with experience I have a better understanding of my game and my body. Now I am trying to pitch the ball in the right areas and create pressure on the batsman. Pace is not enough to trouble quality batsmen in international cricket. You have to hit the corridor of uncertainty consistently.”