In the fifth in the series, former Ireland coach Adi Birrell gives some tips on the important skill of 'getting the scoreboard moving'.

"Deciding when to up the tempo and "go after the bowlers" is critical in many matches and if you get it right can often be the difference between winning and losing. Factors to take into account are the state of the game and the pitch conditions but in many one day situations you have no choice but to start giving the bowling some stick. Here are a few tips...   

Get yourself Set: Even the most gifted players need time to adjust to the pace, bounce and light. How long this takes depends on you and the bowling attack. Once you set yourself you will be in a better position to score runs quickly with less risk.

Opening up: If you are tied down, the first thing you should do is not to slog but rotate the strike and get the scoreboard moving. Even though it is frustrating you need patience. You can't up the tempo from the pavilion. It can often just take one or two balls to break loose

Breaking Loose:  Even getting one ball away for a two or a four can put the pressure on the bowler and he might begin to lose his rhythm. Be positive and be on the lookout to punish the bad ball. Look to the body language of the opposition for clues as to when to up the tempo. If you see a bowler tiring, getting frustrated or over-aggressive, that is a good time to pounce and pile the pressure on.

Also stepping out of the crease can also be a good tactic. Changing the distance between you and the bowler can turn a good ball into a half-volley

Improvise:  Keep thinking. For example, the opposition may target you with the short ball. Instead of hooking what about stepping back and hitting the ball high over the slips? It may just create a doubt in their minds which you can exploit. Like all improvised shots however, such as the reverse sweep, the slog sweep etc, make sure you make practiced it to perfection.

The Pressure is on:   Throwing the bat at everything is a last resort. You can get the scoreboard ticking by running aggressively between the wickets.

If you have to score fours and sixes, know where the areas are you hit the ball best and practice these in the nets.

Sometimes you just have to go for it. Bear in mind the old saying "the harder you practise, the luckier you'll be!" 

Best of luck,

Adi"