World Cup 2019: Warner using 'bat sensor' to counter opposition threat

The sensor cap named 'Bat Sense' is meant to collect important data that helps batsmen prepare for tougher conditions and know their shortcomings to improve their skills.

Australia star opener David Warner has been using a special ‘bat sensor’ to counter the likes of deadly fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. The sensor cap named 'Bat Sense' is meant to collect important data and proves to be useful for professional players as they will have a reference point. Warner has been using the device in practice to meticulously prepare himself for the World Cup 2019. As of now, the Indian team batsmen are not using the sensor, which might prove to be game-changer in the near future. Power index, maximum bat speed, rotational angle of the wrists, backlift angle, bat start angle are some of the technical aspects of the device. If Warner's bat sensor data is to be considered, his speed is believed to be 79 kmph. "I am not sure whether Warner would use the bat with sensor in a match situation but he has been using it in practice sessions," Atul Srivastava, whose company has a tie up with the ICC, told PTI. If the data collected can help coaches in guiding their players, then why not, said former Test wicketkeeper and cricket analyst Deep Dasgupta. "Earlier, the coaches would depend on their natural instinct about angle of backlift or bat speed or the distance between the bat and body, impact. I believe if accurate data can help coaches in guiding their players, then why not," said Dasgupta, who himself is associated with the project, told PTI. At the moment, the bat sensor usage is at a nascent stage where collating data is the primary objective. "The data that will be available is of primary nature. Once a large chunk of data is collected across a cross section of players, it can be suitably processed by the coaches. Then players can accordingly change their game as per the available data," said Dasgupta.