There is a critical balance of authority between captains and their bowlers. Good skippers know how to manage this and get the best from their wicket takers.

Generally the captain has authority over the bowler when it comes to tactical decisions on the field. Often this can get a lot more complex. Senior bowlers like to set their own fields or take the new ball, especially with junior captains. Captains are trying to look at the bigger picture and may often disagree with tactics the bowler wants.

Of course, many bowlers are happy to go with whatever the skipper wants. Any conflict and the game could be lost though.

As the leader, it’s up to the captain to keep the bowler happy while getting what he wants.

This process starts well before any game starts.

A good captain will have spoken to all his bowlers and made sure they know their job. The bowlers will have their own ideas in mind that they can discuss but a general strategy will be decided early.

Once you are in the field, communication is open between the captain and his bowlers. It’s down to the captain to work out how much chat each bowler will need.

Some will want to constantly mess with plans while others are just happy to run up and bowl. The important thing for the captain to do is act as the team rudder.

His job is to keep the general plan on track. Sometimes that means letting a senior bowler set his own field but with plenty of feedback and final say staying with the captain. Alternatively a young bowler might need constant support and reminding of the plans in place.

The captain must also be sure that bowlers are comfortable with his tactics on the field too. Good captains know how to deliberately open and plug gaps in the field and the bowler should be fully aware of what is going on. You don’t want your star spinner bowler against your plan because he doesn’t know what is happening.

Security Blankets

An interesting side issue is the need for some bowlers to have ‘security blanket’ fielders. A classic example is the outswing medium pacer who cannot do without a third man on the fence. The ball may hardly go there, yet he loses confidence without the position in place.

The best thing for the captain to do is indulge the folly and gradually try to wean the player off it if he can. You can usually find a spare fielder.

Keeping bowlers in the loop at all times is one of the most important jobs a captain can do. It’s different for every personality of bowler, which makes it a tricky task. If you can master this skill as captain you will go a long well to gelling your team together and winning more games.