This is even more reason why batting technique in respect to short-pitched deliveries should be given far greater importance. With just a few runs required for victory in a Test but only one wicket in hand, a game can be lost if a remaining batsmen is felled by a bouncer. The main reason for more batsmen being hit by short-pitched bowling is the advent of helmets and protective equipment and the increased amount of T20 cricket which has led to a drastic change in batting technique.

Ian Chappell hooks a short-pitched delivery during World Series Cricket in the 1978-79 season. Pic/Getty Images

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Before helmets, the batting technique was more inclined to the back foot, succinctly summed up by former Australian batsman Stan McCabe's edict: 'Drive or play back.' Now, there's an increasing tendency to charge onto the front foot, emboldened by the impression that the chances of injury are severely reduced. The change in attitude makes it harder to evade short-pitched deliveries and this is exacerbated if the batsman takes his eyes off the ball. When talking to young players about playing short-pitched deliveries, I emphasise that it's better to ensure the ball misses the target rather than relying on the ball to do the job for you.

If a batsman is in position to move onto the back foot once he senses a short-pitched delivery, he can make sure his head is inside the line of the delivery, thereby ensuring that even if he misses an attempted hook shot the ball passes by harmlessly. Once a player's head is inside the line of the ball he's far more likely to watch the delivery closely because he knows he's reduced the danger.

Conversely, if a batsman is trying to hook a ball that is unerringly on a line for his head, he's almost certain to avert his eyes. This is when trouble occurs and it's more likely to happen when the player has prematurely charged onto the front foot. Once the weight is planted firmly on the front foot it's virtually impossible to get the head inside the line of the ball unless that was the original path of the delivery.

Inviting trouble
There are players who have no intention of hooking but duck immediately on seeing a short-pitched delivery and in doing so, take their eyes off the ball. This is inviting trouble, especially if the ball doesn't bounce as high as expected. Before helmets, less players were hit in the head because they had a vested interest in avoiding contact; it was going to hurt.

Therefore they tended to watch the ball closely to make sure they didn't get hit. Hookers are rarely hit because it's a difficult shot to play and requires the player to watch the ball closely. The biggest danger for a hooker is a top-edge deflecting the ball onto the head. With the increased emphasis on fast scoring in the modern game, there's a tendency to encourage young players to practice fancy shots like reverse sweeps and scoops. My advice would be to learn the traditional shots first and, as it could cause injury and the possible loss of a match, ensure you know how to deal with the short-pitched delivery before attempting to practice any fancy shots.