There's no doubt that learning the craft of batting is a long road. So why not take a couple of shortcuts?

Here are three simple, streetwise ways that you can score more runs without spending hours in the nets grooving your drives. Yeah they are a bit lazy, but things are tough enough, you can use a helping hand.

"Always run the first hard"

It's a cliché because it's true: If you run every single like you are looking for a second you will get that second.

It works because it puts the fielder under pressure, and fielders make more mistakes under pressure. I'm sure you have done it yourself, you charge in from the boundary when you hear the shout of "two!", knowing a run out is on the cards; you misfield and they make it back easily.

Of course you need good speed, top turning technique and a heart as big as a lion. But be brave and you will be rewarded with safe runs more often.

PRACTICE TIP: Middle practice is best to develop this, but you can do it in nets too. Use BATEX and when you take a run, do it at top speed. Have a competition for the fastest single if that helps you improve.

"Run to the weaker side"

Sometimes as batters we forget that fielders vary in skill. We subconsciously assume they are all as good as each other on both hands. This is, of course, nonsense.

So take time when you are waiting to bat to see who in the opposition is weaker: The one who stands a bit too deep or drifts from his mark. With practice you learn exactly how much space and time you need to steal that single. When you get it, take it.

Also note the guy with the slower run and the chap with the weak throw (often the same person). You have a chance to steal runs to him as well.

This also applies to a fielder's left and right. Most fielders are slower to the left hand because they are right handed. So, note the fielders throwing arms and remember you get the extra split second when the have to change hands or run round it.

"Defend it for one"

Mark Garaway has stated in the past that the "1st response when ball hits pad or body or hit to mid on or mid off is to think 'run'".

While it's not 100%, you should absolutely be looking for that quick single in the right circumstance, even in defence. For me this is one of the hallmarks of a mindful cricketer, yet it's one every batter can hone themselves.

PRACTICE TIP: Garas is behind this one; make sure that when you bat in nets, every defensive shot if finished wiith looking up for the quick single, ready to run. Tell the bowler that if you block it and "hold the pose", she gets a point. If you block and look to run, you get a point.

Of course, to be really successful you need to use these tips and become a batting Jedi. But one step at a time, young padwan.