Same place same time this week for nets, as the season draws ever closer. (Goffs school 8.30pm meet for an 8.45pm start)

We now only have 3 sessions left before we play our first match of the 2008 season. Therefore, for the next 3 weeks everything will focus around our batting.

Let me explain why.

When a batsman goes to the middle on that opening day of the season, he gets one chance. If he is out of touch and his wicket falls, that is that till the next game. Whereas if a bowler bowls a wide for his first ball of the season, it is not the end of the world. He has at least another 6 goes to get it right in that over, and even has the option to have a rest, get his act together and then come back for another go.

I know I have been accused not so long ago as losing touch with my bowling roots and choosing to party in the batsman’s club. But please trust me on this one, as hopefully we will be able to put up a good show on that opening day.

Further weight is added to my argument as last season our bowling was usually good, but it was the collective batting that let us down.

Therefore, I am asking that bowlers really concentrate on giving batsmen deliveries that are either on the stumps or not too far away. If Nick’s report from last weeks net is anything to go by, it seems we may already be there anyway.

I am also going to allow specialist batsmen to have extra time batting this week, in order to make sure that they are given as much chance as possible to build their touch for that opening innings of the season.

Specialist bowlers who are still struggling to see the sense in this approach should also be mindful of the fact that if we bat first and are dismissed for under a 100, it is highly unlikely that they will get to have much of a bowl anyway.

If bowlers still want to “work on variations”, we can hire an extra lane so that they can just bowl to an empty set of stumps.

Bowling consistent line and length on or around off stump is not a ridiculous request to make, and would be a great credit to the bowlers if they managed to achieve it all evening. And please remember, bowlers like Glen McGrath based his whole career on doing just what we are asking for.

Please note: The Net Doctor will not be holding surgery this week as he is playing in a Football Cup Final.