Dear Shrek

I used to be considered a tail end batsman at my club, but last season, my captain showed an unexpected vote of confidence by promoting me to open the innings as a pinch hitter. I felt that this was a great opportunity to prove myself, as I have always considered myself a 1000 runs a season man if going in to bat early enough. However, my chances of scoring runs were thwarted on a regular basis by my idiot of an opening partner who kept running me out. On the frst couple of occasions I thought that this was a genuine error on his part, but after the 5th time of him playing a forward defensive off a full bunger straight to silly point and calling me through for the run, I thought it might be more personal. This was the final straw, and regrettably I reacted badly on this occasion, using choice language and hurling my kit into the near-by orchard. I am concerned for the coming season, as although my anger management is much improved, I feel that my opening partner may be able to take his vendetta against me further, as he is now captain of my club. What do you suggest?

Regards

Wiliam Oolverine

Dear William, 

I have suffered this problem myself in the past. One season, my opening partner and captain of the time ran me out 3 matches running, in 2 important league deciders and a cup final. I was devestated. I remember the one in the final most clearly; he called me through, I said no, but he just kept coming. I felt under pressure to run, as he had scored 22594 runs that season, and I was next highest with 3. He was clearly an important player, so I sacrificed myself, but by the third time, I began to read more into it. However my friend, I think you will find that a level of paranoia can creep in during these times, and we have to realise that we can go through these phases in our partnerships. In my case, I was seeking advice from many people, but their claims that he was running me out because I had a strike rate of 50 runs per 1000 balls were just proposterous, and I realised it was just one of those things. The key to good running is good calling and quick decision making. Good luck with the new season.

Shrek