also to add to the answers below " Scoreboard Pressure"

by batting first , you always assume you will get a good score , once you have posted a good score and on occasions a very good score ( 500 plus) , the opposition can be intimidated by the score you posted and the task before them to even get into a winning position , imagine walking to grease knowing you need 700 runs to start putting pressure on the other side

This also allows the team who batted first to set a attacking field one that will get catches and not to concerned about conceding runs

Posted By: ghostof barry butler, Nov 23, 14:26:32