Just like getting back in the saddle after being thrown from a horse, batsmen have to confront danger
Melinda Farrell in Leeds21-Aug-2019There is a widely accepted theory that, in the wake of a traumatic or painful event, it is helpful to face a similar experience as soon as possible. Get caught in a rip while swimming in the ocean? Go to the beach the next day. Thrown from a horse? Hop back in the saddle as soon as possible. Suffer a miserable break up? Swipe right often and jump back in that dating pool.The thinking is that turning on the light and facing what was a monster in the dark can reveal it is merely an awkwardly draped coat stand. To avoid confronting it allows it to grow and gnaw persistently at any lingering insecurity.In Australia’s case the monster is Jofra Archer’s rapid and deceptive bouncer: it has already cost them the presence of Steve Smith at Headingley, it threatened to do similar damage to Marnus Labuschagne, and Matthew Wade has reason to be thankful for his diminutive stature – the ball grazed the top of his helmet as he tried to duck under it.Also read: Australia yearn to take back control at LeedsOf course, batters cop hits and bruises all the time and being able to handle fast, short-pitched bowling is just part of the game; several England players likely have Pat Cummins to thank for any tattoos appearing after the Lord’s Test. Thankfully, blows to the head are less common, although Jason Roy’s concussion scare in the build-up to the third Test is another reminder of the danger. But the serious sort can have a lasting impact and any perceived hesitation is exploited by opposition bowlers who have the necessary arsenal. Stuart Broad’s battle with the short ball after a bouncer rearranged his nose was obvious and Chris Rogers has spoken openly about the lasting effects of multiple concussions on his batting. In other cases, the lingering mental effects may only be minor or short-lived.Sometimes, according to Joe Root, the greatest injury is to a player’s pride.”The thing that hurts the most is your ego,” said Root, speaking to the media at Headingley. “You’re stood out there in front of 35,000 people and someone has mugged you off a bit. That’s how it feels when I’ve been hit. You pride yourself on being able to either get out of the way or take it on and you make sure, first and foremost, you stay in and keep batting. You don’t want to be in that position again and let them get one up on you.”I’ve never had a blow as serious as that, so hard to comment in Steve’s case but you could see the concern on the guys out in the field. Jofra and Jos [Buttler] were straight over. I think everyone relaxed a bit when he got up and the doc was having conversations with him. But as a batter you pride yourself on being able to manage those deliveries but it’s like anything, it’s a psychological battle. When they go to that plan it’s like, can you play it well like you would play the top of off stump? If you get out in that fashion, it’s seen as a good ball but, if you’re caught at deep square leg because someone has got a bouncer right on the money, it looks like a rash shot.”When time comes for Smith’s return, Tim Paine believes that the seemingly impermeable mental bubble that has encased him throughout this series will be firmly back in place.”Steve loves batting,” said Paine. “I don’t think that’s going to change. Marnus is strange, he seems to enjoy getting hit on the head, so he’s a different kettle of fish altogether, but I think it has happened at times. Marnus has handled himself exceptionally, his innings was unbelievable after that happened. Steve Smith’s the best player in the world, he will come back in the next Test, if it’s next Test, or the tour game and we’re expecting him to be the same old Steve Smith. He’s a high-quality player and he’ll adapt as he always has.”(Let’s just pause for a moment to say, what the hell, Marnus?)The Australians know what is coming at the end of Archer’s laconic run up and there will be plenty of it in Leeds. They looked to attack and get on top of England’s shiny new toy at Lord’s but, as Paine admits, all the preparation and planning and net sessions can only do so much.”Obviously we copped some short-pitched bowling, I think guys prepared for it last week but it’s another thing facing it,” said Paine. “Guys have got plans in place and we’ve prepared really well for it. It’s about going out and executing it. We think the Lord’s wicket was quite a difficult one to face short-pitched bowling on, so we’re interested to see how this wicket plays. But it’s about adapting to the situation, the wicket and what any of their bowlers are trying to do. We’ve got to have a plan to counter that and I know our boys will.”And how do the Australians turn on the light and demystify the monster?”You put all the gear on and you get in there. It’s as simple as it is.”