Menno Gazendam is author of the popular Spin Bowling Project.

Here's a question I got from a reader;

"I don’t get much bowling opportunity in the game. And when I do, one mistake and I am off".

This is a very common complaint.

How many spin bowlers are out there that do not get to bowl as much as they should?

Simply because the captain decided the pitch does not take spin (funny how it always take pace?)

Or the new batsman is a big bloke and he looks like he can hit the ball (or spinners) very far.

The captain will say something like: "Hang, on there with spin, this bloke can hit the ball far, rather we bring on the quicks until he is gone". Never mind if spin was actually the right option

Open your mouth

What I try to teach all spinners is that you need to open your mouth. Don't be rude, but stand on your right as a member of the team. You are picked in the team with a role to fulfill. And you should get a chance to do it.

So, open your mouth and ask for what you want.

You’re team role is that of a spinner

You are a spinner in the team and not a specialist fielder or handy batsman.

You are there to bowl, no matter who is batting.

And the captain should trust you.

If that means you must ask your captain for another over or two, then do it. Most captains at club level are not cruel, they are just incompetent and certainly not brave.

Most of the time the captain will be impressed and give you another go.

What’s the worse that can happen?

What's the worse that can happen? He was not going to bowl you in any case.

So, just ask the captain to keep you on. Or ask to bowl soon. It’s better than moping down at 3rd man, because you did not get a go.

For more detailed spin bowling advice, tips, tricks, tactics and training drill for spinners, get the Spin Bowling Project onine coaching course.