A Treat For Bowlers! ICC Plans to Introduce Changes for Two-New Ball Rule in ODIs!
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning for a significant change to the existing two-ball rule to maintain a proper balanced contest between the bat and ball in the One Day Internationals (ODIs) format.
Over the past few years, the 50-over format has been under scrutiny, with experts like Sachin Tendulkar, Brett Lee, Sourav Ganguly, and several others criticizing the introduction of two new balls. Moreover, the ODIs received severe accusations of favoring the batters as bowlers were getting a lack of assistance with the reverse swing.
As ICC is looking forward to amending tweaks to the new two-ball rule in ODIs, many reports revealed that the global governing body plans to introduce stop clocks in tests and conduct the Under-19 T20 World Cup in men’s cricket.
Sourav Ganguly Promotes Change in the Two-New Ball Rule
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who is the current Chairperson of the ICC men’s cricket committee, suggested introducing changes to the existing two-ball rule to the board of chief executives.
The 52-year-old former BCCI president recommended the following changes to the ICC:
- A new ball should become effective to use only after the 34th over. In other words, both the balls should be at least 17 overs old.
- The bowling team should be given the privilege to choose the ball of their preference that should be used till the last over (50th over).
- The unused ball should be retained and used as a spare only if required.
New Changes in Two-Ball Rule: Different from Current and Past Rules
The rules for using two new cricket balls in ODIs have changed now and then, which varies from the new idea:
- Current Rule (After 2011): Since October 2011, two new balls have been used all over the innings. This ensures the ball remains shiny and hard, thereby making the job of batters easier to accumulate huge runs instantly due to the reduced reverse swing.
- Old Rule (Before 2011): Only one ball was supposed to be used for the entire innings. However, after 34 overs, the ball was replaced with another used one, which was cleaner and easier to spot.
- Latest Idea: Similar to the existing rule, the bowling team can start the innings with two new balls. But, after the 34th over, switching to any one of the two balls is allowed for the rest of the innings. This ensures that both balls wear and age out, having bowled for a minimum of 17 overs, thereby generating considerable amount of reverse swing.
Reasons Why ICC’s Two-New Ball Rule Has Been Controversial
There have been several debates about the two new ball rule, which has proven to be controversial due to the following reasons:
- Less Wear and Tear: By limiting a cricket ball’s usage upto a maximum of 25 overs, there would be less wear and tear, which is similar to how the ball wears out in the T20 International (T20I) format.
- Limited Reverse Swing: Although there are suggestions that favor changing the new ball every 25 overs, the rule doesn’t gain traction. This is because using the less aged ball, the benefits of reverse swing are snatched away from the bowlers, particularly in the death overs.
- Tough Time for Spinners: Not only pacers, but also spinners deal with the challenges of bowling with a hard and new ball that offers less grip and variations.
- Several 300+ Totals: The ball with more hardness and less wear motivates batters to execute unorthodox shots in the death overs. As a result, many teams went on to compile 300-plus totals frequently over the past few years.
Sachin Tendulkar Criticizes the Two Ball Rule: ‘A True Recipe for a Big Disaster’
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is hailed as the ‘Master Blaster’ and ‘God of Cricket’, opposed the concept of two-ball rule in a social media comment a few years ago, labeling it as a perfect disaster:
“See! I believe that the two new balls in one day cricket has been a perfect and true recipe for a massive disaster. This is because each new ball isn’t provided adequate time to get old enough to reverse. For a long time, we haven’t noticed reverse swing in white ball cricket, which is a key weapon for bowlers in death overs,” Sachin said.
Since the two-ball rule was introduced to the current playing conditions in October 2011, Tendulkar has been voicing his support for a perfect bat-ball balance in the 50-over format. The legendary cricketer believes that this concept is heavily concentrated in favor of batters. Also, the former Australian pacer Brett Lee agreed with Tendulkar’s statement.
Why should changes be considered for the Two-New Ball Rule?
The two new balls have most often weakened the swing and reverse, thereby providing an enjoyable task for batters in the late innings and a nightmare for bowlers. By considering certain changes to the existing rule, a competitive nature between the bat and ball will be restored by bringing back the reverse swing, which gives a fair opportunity for the batters and bowlers to prove their mettle.
What is a 60-Second Stop Clock in Test Cricket?
Likewise to the T20I and ODI over-rate penalty rule, the timer clock in the longest format of cricket helps to combat the slow overrates. Also, the penalties for repeated negligence is under discussion for the test cricket.
Under-19 Men’s T20 World Cup on The Way
With the growing importance of franchise T20 leagues, a transition from the 50-over to 20-over Under-19 Men’s World Cup is an opportunity for young players to be groomed for the dynamic-paced format.
Will the Two New Ball Rule Be Scrapped?
NO! There are rumors that the ICC plans to scrap the use of two new balls in the longer format of white ball cricket.
Also, the suggested improvements were discussed at the recent ICC meetings in Harare to use one out of the two balls from the 35th over of an inning.
However, the cricketing boards from different nations are likely to provide their feedback on these alterations by the end of April. Suppose if there is a collective agreement, the suggestions are expected to be implemented in the playing conditions at the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in July.
