Bevan benefits from US input

Bevan benefits from US input

Bevan's ODI record

201 matches

6119 runs, average 55.12

Highest score 108no

6x100s 40x50s

Michael Bevan has revealed the part played by an American in helping him master the hook shot.

Although an integral part of the Australian one-day team, Bevan has not played Test cricket since January 1998 because of a perceived weakness against short-pitched bowling.

But he showed in Sunday's win against England that he now has an effective counter to anything pitched short of a length and directed at his body.

"I know it sounds funny getting an American to help me play the hook shot but Ken is a biomechanist and a vision specialist," said Bevan.

"I got to learn some of the mechanics of the shot, when to use it and when not to use it and getting to learn how to play the shot.

Player profile: Michael Bevan

"It is a shot I would like to be able to play and I have been working hard and doing a lot of work on it.

"I guess it could come in handy in the one-day game and hopefully show a few people in the longer version too."

Bevan's innings of 74 not out in Port Elizabeth carried his team to their 14th successive one-day win over England after they were staring defeate in the face at 135-8.

Bevan acknowledges the applause for his innings

Aussies pull off thrilling win

It underlined his reputation as the greatest finisher in the one-day game and he averages 55.12 after 201 appearances.

"When I was with Darren Lehmann I just tried to keep the score ticking over but then there was a period where we lost a few wickets and the rate jumped.

"That meant I changed my plan a bit so that when Brett Lee came in I decided to be a bit more pro-active.

"I look at the scoreboard and I decide how I am going to set out to bat in those situations, it is a bit of both really.

"I try and work out what we have got to try and do and I also have a picture in my mind of how I would like it to pan out."

Bevan has still not given up hope of reviving his Test career.

"Somewhere deep down I have still got ambitions... all I can do is to keep trying to improve as a player ," he added.