The Evolution of Power-Hitting in Cricket: From Sixes to Records
Cricket has evolved significantly over the decades, with power-hitting becoming an essential skill in modern-day limited- championsbase formats. From the era of classic cover drives and elegant straight bats to the dominance of aggressive sluggers, the sport has witnessed a transformation fueled by innovation, technology, and changing playing conditions. The Early Days of Cricketing Stroke Play During the early 20th century, cricket was considered a game of patience, skill, and technique. The focus was on solid defensive play, where batters aimed to preserve their wickets rather than aggressively score runs. Six-hitting was rare, as most stadiums had large boundaries, and the quality of bats did not allow for explosive power. Players like Don Bradman and W.G. Grace showcased their batting brilliance through impeccable shot selection rather than brute force. The Rise of Aggressive Batting in ODI Cricket The introduction of One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the 1970s revolutioni...