Delicate approach in shaping technique
SECRET visits to batting doctor Chris Rogers has inspired Peter Handscomb to recalibrate a technique branded “not good enough” for Test cricket.
A myriad former greats had written off Handscomb’s quirky style after he got himself into such a hole against England last year he was unceremoniously dumped midway through a triumphant Ashes series.
While countless high-profile voices including Ricky Ponting were insisting on changing technique, it’s understood Rogers’ initial approach was more along the lines of, “how are you feeling?”
As Handscomb prepares to battle Travis Head for a return to the Australian middle-order after a shock recall to the Australian squad yesterday, his initial Test axing stands as a crushing and somewhat confusing fall from grace, given he averages a healthy 44 in Test cricket with two hundreds to his name from just 13 matches.
He sought counsel from former Victorian teammate Rogers and the theme was simply to get his head, heart and feet all moving in the one direction.
Handscomb was urged by the masses to play forward to the large number of full pitched balls he was getting.
It’s understood Rogers’ approach has subtly focused on helping Handscomb get a better shape to his cricket and simply regroove a technique that had already shown it was up to Test match standards.
“(I’ve done a lot of work with) Chris Rogers, just to tinker with a few things and really get my straight drive and my cover drive back, so I can attack the bowler again rather than just waiting for them to come to me,” Handscomb said.