Tim David says of his attempts to perfect leg spin, “I’ve just been working really hard on it.”

Whether they were from the USA or the West Indies, fast bowlers clearly dominated the first half of the ninth T20 World Cup. The amount of maiden overs delivered (30 by pacers versus 8 by spinners), the total number of overs bowled (829.3 by pacers versus 464.2 by spinners), and—most importantly—the fact that fast bowlers were used primarily—the fact that pacers took 306 wickets to 150 by spinners—all demonstrate this. The group stage matches, which have a sample size of 40 games, are the basis for these statistics.

Part-time off-spinner and forceful finisher Tim David disclosed that he has been experimenting with leg-spin over the past few months, ahead of Australia’s first Super 8s match against Bangladesh in Antigua. He was going to give his team a backup bowler in case they needed one. David said that he has been practicing his bowling assiduously. Tim David has not yet bowled in this World Cup.

All it does is present you with match-up alternatives. About nine months ago, I started bowling leg-spin in nets, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results. I’ve been working very hard on it, that’s all. To be completely honest, I love bowling. David said, “It’s more fun to play the game than to sit there in the field for 20 overs,” prior to Australia’s match against Bangladesh, as cited by ESPNcricinfo.

Considering how near to the game it is, that’s what matters most to me: Tim David

In recent weeks, Tim David has been practicing his hitting against spin diligently in addition to bowling with all of his might. He said there’s no real advantage to overanalyzing a game before it starts. The 28-year-old said that, at its core, training is enjoyable and that he genuinely enjoys his net sessions with the bat.

“For the past few weeks, I’ve been practicing a lot against spin. Even so, it shouldn’t be too stressful the day or few days prior to the game. At such point, you are aware that too much change is not possible. As you do a few tasks and enjoy yourself during training, you just start to feel good [in the nets]. That’s what matters most to me [so close to the game],” David continued.