Coaches talk about “don’t move your head”, but i think it should be expanded to don’t let your body move your head, and its fine to move your head to track the ball. Also the most important trait for batsman is the ability to control pitch zone. This is the greatest indicator for successful batters. The number of scoring shots a batsman draws is the best indicator on how he understands to control pitch zone.
A batsman needs to learn pitch discipline it should be an innate trait, especially if he is facing the new ball(openers usually)
On any surface new ball swings, at least for first 10 overs, and openers need to be extra careful in deciding which to play and which to leave.
Now, it seems left-handed openers have tendency to reach for ball which is moving away from them, more than right-handers, which is alright as long as they are confident enough to play. Almost every left hander cricketer has faced more right arm bowlers, which makes him compatible against moving ball, especially outswingers!. At same time it can be their downfall if condition are conducive to swing bowling and they are not in balance/late to play. However they have the ability to see the away movement early, hence they take decision to play!.
Currently every Test playing nation has at least one left-handed opener in their playing XI. Since Jan 2012, 26 left-handers have opened in Test matches, viz 41.94% (36 RHB) They are the leading run-scorer with higher strike rate and most Test centuries in this period.
I have accumulated small gfx featuring 1st wkt stand of each Test playing nation. The progression chart is serieswise since 2012.
Apart from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, & Zimb(no left hander opener) rest of countries have their left-hander dominating opening stand, they average more than right handers.
Here is a link to rise of left handers http://allthatcricket.com/?p=2813
And here is a link to all indicators and formulas -http://allthatcricket.com/?p=1489
