since the ball is pitched on the leg-stump and middle stump, u have big problems....
if u think its a leg-break, and u get ready to block it, and it turns out to be a straighter one or the wrong one, then u r gone, either bowled or lbw....
if u try to drive the ball and misread it, u might give the bowler a return catch or to other close fielders....
the best technique is always to get ur foot up to the pitch of the ball and drive it before it turns off the pitch....
and if its too short to go front, just pull it....
or cut it late to third man....
or might just as well leave it alone if it really turns....
Funguy, I guess you have already gotten enough tips on playing leg-spin, so let's see if you can spin the bowl out of the ground now. Where by the way, do you guys play cricket in Chicago? Do you have a league, and can people from other cities play? errrrr, I think i'll write a p.m.....
There are a different types of leg spin bowlers some fastish and more flat like kumble and other more orthodox that give a loop to the delivery so there are lot of things to be considered but in general for leg spinner..
Try to play him as late as possible, that means try to play him mostly off your back foot. If he is a good leg spinner he will not give you much to drive on the front foot. Being on the back foot will give you more time to read the spin off the pitch even if you are not able to read the spin from the wrist of the bowler. This would give you the opportunity to play effectively (offering stroke or letting go) even to the balls that ware bowled on good length.
Now this does not mean that you stick on to the back foot. In fact it could be very counter productive if your give the opportunity to settle on to his length. So do look for the pitched up deliveries or at least make the bowler know that you are willing to use your feet to come down to the track. Not necessarily for a loft out of the ground but rather even a drive in the V for a single. In case he does pitch it up then you would have to punish it by driving along the ground or over the infield. As said short bowls could be dealt with cuts and pulls.
If all this was that easy I would have been able a better player. So I would not want you to try all this in the match but rather note it for future and try to work on them in the nets. But one tip I think would help you in the match and which you could use is RUN to the other end. If you are on the non strike end then try to get doubles. Run aggressively between the wickets. Run hard not only will this save you it will help your team and will put pressure on the fielders. If you face him try to get a single and try to get to the other end. (even international players do it when they are not in touch…in order to get as much time in the middle). If the next over is of the leggie then try not to have a single of the last bowl…..
Also do watch how to play leg spin being bowled and played. Tendulkar vs Warne in India would probably be the best learning aid.
Do put in a word about your match and your experience .....