Pomp strategy guide
The Treble rewards an XI that's good in three games at once. These are the principles that separate a one-trophy side from a clean sweep. New to the game? Start with how to play.
Balance beats a galaxy of batsmen
An XI of eleven superstar batters has no one to bowl the other side out. The engine scores you on both batting and bowling strength, weighted by your shape – so a side that can't take wickets will pile up runs and still lose. Aim for five or six genuine batters, a keeper, an all-rounder, and four bowling options.
Bowling depth wins Test cricket
Tests reward a deep, varied attack more than the white-ball games do. Four frontline bowlers plus a fifth option lets you bowl a side out twice across five days. In T20 a fifth bowler matters far less – there you want hitters and two or three strike bowlers who can defend at the death.
Batting-heavy vs bowling-heavy
A batting-heavy XI posts bigger totals in the finals (markedly so in Tests, where there's time for class to compound). A bowling-heavy XI scores less but drags the opposition down harder – it wins low-scoring, bowl-them-out finals. Both can win; they just win differently. Pick a route and commit to it.
Fielding is a quiet tie-breaker
A sharp fielding side bowls a touch tighter and converts the odd half-chance – worth a couple of bowling points. It won't decide a tournament on its own, but in a close final it nudges things your way.
Old greats and the format puzzle
Players from before T20 existed still get a T20 rating estimated from their one-day game and style. Some 1980s legends convert brilliantly; some don't. If you're chasing the Treble you need an XI that holds up in all three formats – a Test colossus who can't strike at 150 in T20 is a weak link.
When to play 'In their Pomp'
‘In their Pomp’ is easy mode – every player at their peak across all formats – and it's the fastest route to a monster XI and your first Treble. ‘As they were' is the connoisseur's game: each player rated for the exact year you drew them, warts and all. Start in Pomp, graduate to as-they-were.
You can't strip the opposition
Drafting a nation's stars no longer weakens them – they simply reload with an all-time great in the same role. So draft for YOUR XI, not to sabotage the field. The opposition you meet in a final is strong by design.
See the principles in the flesh – browse some greatest XIs.
Ratings and results are illustrative and simulated – an unofficial fan game, not affiliated with any board, league or competition.