Cricket Special Report: Mike Hussey and Haroon Lorgat not satisfied with Split-innings modifications
In recent times, a great debate has taken place to make sure ODI’s remain popular among crowd. Since the introduction of T20 cricket in international arena, some pundits of cricket believe that ODI’s will eventually become a thing of past.
In order to keep one day matches alive, different experimentations are to be tested. Idea of split innings ODI’s is now surfing in media for some time but it is Cricket Australia that has practically taken steps to get it implemented.
Cricket Australia is well on course to experiment this new format but some players from within their setup are not convinced with this new idea. Mike Hussey famously known as Mr Cricketer is sceptical about this new format of split innings.
Hussey said that his Australian team mates are also in favour of current ODI format. He said: “"I don't think it is right because one of the great challenges about batting is you get your chance and if you get out first ball you appreciate your wicket so much. If you know you've got a second chance it doesn't sit right with me.” Hussey believes the new proposed changes are only to accommodate fans and create more value in terms of entertainment.
ICC Chief http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Haroon-Lorgat-c61719 was also critical of new format and openly admitted that he is not impress with split innings format. When asked about new split innings format Lorgat said: "I must admit I'm not yet a fan of that, a lot of people feel that 50-over cricket is under threat. I'm not one of those pessimists. There may be a few tweaks, but when people talk about fundamentally bringing in the bulldozer and revamping 50-over cricket, I'm not one of those sceptics at the moment.”
ICC remains confident that same format will continue in 2015 world cup. Current ODI format remains popular in sub-continent. However, crowd in ODI’s have dropped in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 following the introduction of twenty20. In coming summers Australia will play seven match series against England, following Ashes test series. The tournament will be played with existing format of ODI’s. It will be interesting to see if crowd will come in big numbers or not for existing format of ODI’s.
Cricket Australia is yet to decide its exact format of split innings format but has given a green light signal for split innings in state games of next summer. Cricket Australia Chief Executive was very vocal about this new format of the game. James Sutherland thinks in order to keep ODI’s alive; management needs to make changes in current format of the game.
Sutherland said: “you're suggesting that the current playing conditions that one-day international cricket is being played under today is going to be the same in 2015, then I would suggest that it's probably not the case, There's a question there about how radically the playing conditions may have developed or changed. I honestly don't know the answer to that but what we at Cricket Australia are looking to do is to find a landing spot with a new format.”
Some of the suggested radical changes are that one batsman dismissed in one innings, will be able to bat again just like designated hitter is played in a baseball match. A minimum of four bowlers are to be used without any restrictions. Instead of one, two bouncers are to be allowed between shoulder and head height. Two fielders are allowed outside circle in each of first five over’s of an innings with only four allowed during over’s six to twenty.
Australia is keen to make this experiment. Cricket Australia’s marketing manager says: “One-day cricket is not in massive decline, but it is in slight decline and we need to do something to prevent a massive decline". He further added that these changes are made after taking different surveys from people living in Melbourne and Sydney. The majority is still in favour of ODI’s but they believe there is a big margin for improvement. If this experimentation proves to be a success, Cricket Australia will take this idea in ICC meeting in hope of playing 2015 ODI world cup with split innings format.
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