India, July 10 -- The good, old way of taking on the short ball aimed at the body or the shoulder has almost gone out of the game. Then, the batter would step inside the line, wait for the ball to almost pass, and twist fully from the waist to smash it fine. It was an effective shot to play on pitches with extra bounce. It was about using the pace of the ball to clear the fence.

On the sub-continent's slower, flat pitches, the pull shot comes into play more. It involves meeting the ball head-on, hitting it in front of you. But, on faster, bouncier surfaces with big square field dimensions, it can also be used against you.

During the ongoing five-match T20I series, England's fast bowlers have used this strategy effectively against the In...