Why Do Bowlers Hate This One Batsman’s Technique? [Exposed]

There’s one batsman in world cricket who makes bowlers lose sleep—not because of his power or aggression, but because of his bizarre, rule-bending technique that seems to defy physics. From his exaggerated shuffle to his freakish hand-eye coordination, this player has triggered debates among legends, forced rule changes, and left bowlers fuming. Today, we expose why Steve Smith’s unorthodox style is cricket’s most controversial weapon—and whether it should even be legal.

The “Smith Shuffle”: How He Rewrote the Batting Manual

Steve Smith doesn’t just walk across his stumps—he teleports. His pre-delivery movement is so extreme that it:

• Eliminates LBW threats: By moving outside off stump, he turns potential plumb dismissals into leg-side glances.
• Confuses bowlers: His late adjustment to the ball’s line makes it impossible to set consistent fields.
• Exploits DRS: Hawk-Eye struggles to predict his impact zone due to his constant motion.

Bowlers’ Reactions:

• James Anderson: “It’s like bowling at a rubber band—he’s never where you expect.”
• Ravichandran Ashwin: “The rules weren’t made for batters who dance mid-delivery.”

The “No-Stance” Stance: Is It Legal?

Smith doesn’t have a traditional batting stance. Instead, he:

1. Starts outside leg stump.
2. Twists his body 45 degrees mid-delivery.
3. Changes grip based on ball trajectory.

Controversy:

• MCC Rule 41.5: Batsmen can’t “unfairly” distract the bowler, but Smith’s movement is deemed “pre-delivery,” so it’s allowed.
• Near-Ban: In 2017, the ICC debated restricting pre-ball shuffling but backed off after backlash.

The Edge That Doesn’t Count: Smith’s “False Trigger”

Smith’s biggest trick? Making bowlers waste reviews. Here’s how:

• He pre-meditates shots, causing edges that look plumb but miss the stumps.
• Bowlers burn DRS appeals on balls that only look out.
• Stats: Smith has survived 27% of close LBW calls thanks to this illusion.

Bowler Frustration:

• Pat Cummins: “You think you’ve got him, then Hawk-Eye shows it’s missing by a mile.”

The “Invisible Bat” Glitch: How Smith Beats Spin

Against spinners, Smith does something no coach teaches:

• He doesn’t commit to front or back foot.
• His hands work independently of his feet, allowing last-microsecond adjustments.
• Result: He averages 74.6 against spin since 2019—highest in the world.

Tactical Impact:

• Teams now bowl leg spin wide outside off to him (a “Smith Field”), sacrificing economy for survival.

The Rule Change That Backfired

In 2021, the ICC tweaked DRS protocols to account for extreme batter movement. But:

• It helped Smith more, as umpires now give him the benefit of doubt.
• Bowlers must prove the ball would’ve hit stumps despite his shuffle—a higher burden.

Data: Since the change, Smith’s LBW dismissal rate dropped by 18%.

Conclusion: Genius or Exploiter?

Steve Smith’s technique isn’t just unorthodox—it’s a systematic dismantling of bowling strategies. While purists argue it “breaks the spirit” of batting, stats prove it’s the most effective method in modern cricket. One thing’s certain: until rules explicitly ban it, bowlers will keep suffering.

FAQ Section

Q: Could Smith’s technique get banned?
A: Only if the ICC declares it “unfair movement,” which seems unlikely now.

Q: Who else uses this style?
A: Marnus Labuschagne mimics it, but no one does it as effectively.

Q: How do you bowl to Smith?
A: Yorkers at leg stump or wide bouncers—his “dead zones.”