Cricket Waggle and Pre-Shot Routine Explained
What is the 'waggle' in cricket batting, why do batsmen tap the crease and mark their guard, and how do pre-shot routines help concentration? A guide to batting micro-habits.
Cricket batting is as much about mental preparation as physical technique. Before each delivery, batsmen undertake micro-rituals — tapping the crease, marking guard, waggling the bat — that help them reset, focus, and prepare to react to the next ball. These routines are deeply personal, developed over years of play, and are as varied as the batsmen themselves.
Marking Guard
Before facing their first delivery and sometimes after moving position, batsmen 'take guard' — asking the umpire for a reference point aligned with the stumps. Common guards are 'middle stump' (standing with bat on the middle stump), 'leg stump', or 'middle and leg'. The batsman marks the pitch with their bat spike to know where they are standing relative to the stumps, particularly relevant for LBW decisions.
The Waggle
The waggle refers to the small preliminary movement a batsman makes with their bat before the bowler delivers — a gentle back-and-forth motion or tap to stay relaxed, keep the bat moving, and prevent tension from creeping into their grip and arms. A still bat before the bowler reaches the crease can cause a late start to the backlift; the waggle ensures the batsman is moving and reactive.
Crease Tapping
Many batsmen tap the crease with their bat between deliveries as a habitual reset — reminding themselves of their guard position and re-centering their stance. It is a cognitive anchor: the tap signals 'new delivery, fresh start'. Some players tap the crease once; others tap multiple times. Some do it before every delivery; others only when they feel out of rhythm.
Famous Batting Routines
Steve Waugh's red handkerchief routine (carrying a piece of red fabric from his grandfather in his pocket for every innings). Marlon Samuels' distinctive stance wide of off stump. MS Dhoni's unusual grip and pre-delivery bat-tap. These are personal anchors, not superstitions — each serves a functional purpose in the batsman's pre-delivery reset.
Frequently asked questions
Why do batsmen mark their guard repeatedly?
Batsmen re-mark their guard during a long innings because their footmarks can become smeared or unclear, and because they may have moved their stance slightly without noticing. Re-marking guard ensures they know precisely where they are in relation to the stumps, which is crucial for playing late-swing deliveries and managing LBW risk on the leg side.
Is there a right way to take guard in cricket?
There is no single correct guard — it depends on the batsman's style, the pitch, and the bowling attack. 'Middle stump' is the most common guard, giving a clear reference for the full face of the bat. 'Leg stump' guard suits players who prefer to play on the off side and want to position themselves outside the line of the stumps for LBW decisions.