Chappell lauded Shaw's improved technique.
Young India opener Prithvi Shaw has impressed many with his blazing innings against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match ODI series on Sunday (July 18) in Colombo and Greg Chappell, former Australia captain, was among those who lauded the cricketer for his improved technique.
On his ODI comeback, the right-hander played a stunning knock of 24-ball 43 laced with nine superbly-struck fours to play his role in India’s seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI on Sunday.
After the first ODI, Chappell, former India coach, personally sent a message to Shaw as he praised his improved technique, especially “the initial movement” after watching the highlights of the youngster’s batting in Colombo.
Chappell wrote in the message (a copy is with TOI) to Shaw: “Hi Prithvi! I saw the highlights of your innings against Sri Lanka. It was fantastic. Your initial movements are now perfect, which give you better access to more deliveries, especially full balls, and allows you to get into better positions with a much better bat swing.”
The Australian legend said Shaw's batting position at the time of the bowler releasing the ball is now “perfect”, as it allows him to attack more of the full balls with ease.
He continued, “Your position at ball release is perfect. If you have a look at the side on replay after you have hit a cover drive for four when on 22 it will show the at-release position very well. That is perfect and shows that you are expecting the full ball which of course is the early release point. That allows you to attack more of the full balls that are the dangerous deliveries. Once you start punishing those, most bowlers will pull their length back which will give you more scoring shots from the back foot.”
Chappell also confirmed that he sent a personal message to Shaw after the first ODI against Sri Lanka.
He signed off, “He has obviously done some work on his mind and his early movements. It looks really good. Have a look at the highlights. The side on replay of his cover drive when on 22 is the perfect illustration of the ideal position at release. Every good player gets into this position at ball release.”
(With Times of India Inputs)