Why do incoming batsmen always mark the off-stump line?

Question

In cricket, I have often seen that incoming batsmen come in and mark the off-stump line with assistance from the non-striker. This is done by holding the bat in line with the stump till aligned, then scratching a line in the pitch with their shoes. It makes sense when done by openers, but I have often seen batsmen coming in at number 7 or 8 and performing this ritual before facing the first ball on that end of the pitch.

Why do incoming batsmen mark their line even if they come in lower down the order? Shouldn't the line marked by the previous batsmen be enough?

Answer 1

The batsman isn't necessarily marking off-stump - they're marking their own individual preferred position. Some players will "take guard" on leg stump, others further across towards off stump.

Two other obvious issues:

• The stumps are reversed for left and right handers. If you're a left hander coming in after a right hander, you're going to want a different guard.
• Different players may take guard at different distances from the stumps so they'll need their mark in different places.