New Delhi: In a move to promote Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Committee has proposed three recommendations to grab more eyeballs. According to a report in The Times of India, ICC has recommended a minimum of three matches in a series coming under the World Test Championship (WTC) besides focusing on increasing the number of Day-Night test matches. To boost the popularity of ODI cricket, the committee has recommended the usage of two new balls in ODIs for only the first 25 overs.
Minimum three Tests in WTC
The main recommendation of the three is the call for a minimum of three Test matches in every WTC series. This proposal comes in the wake of ongoing concerns that the unequal distribution of Test matches across different countries favours some and disfavours others.
Under the current distribution of matches, teams that play more matches have an advantage over others. The likes of India, Australia, and England, the ‘Big 3’ routinely play long Test series, while other Test-playing nations, such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, often take part in two-match series.
An ICC source said that the disparity in Test series impedes the promotion of Test cricket across the globe and disrupts fair competition.
More Day-Night Tests
The second recommendation is also focused towards boosting the popularity of Test cricket. To grab more eyeballs, the committee has proposed to increase the number of day-night Test matches. Played under lights, the pink-ball Tests, have historically attracted drawn larger crowds in comparison to traditional Tests.
India, for example, has shoved aside their initial reluctance to host Day-Night Tests. The three pink-ball Tests played in India have sold more tickets than several red-ball Test matches. According to the committee, the inclusion of more day-night Tests could garner more audience amidst the worrying trend of dwindling stadium attendance.
One ball after 25 overs to bring balance to the game
To boost the popularity of ODIs, once the most popular format, and bring balance to the game, ICC has recommended restricting the usage of two new balls for the entire innings to encourage reverse swing for the fast bowlers, who suffer due to the dominance of the batters. Under the current rules which were introduced in 2011, two new balls are used simultaneously – one from each end – effectively keeping the ball hard and fresh throughout the match, making the conditions favourable for the batters to score freely. The two-new ball rule has all but ended the role of reverse swing, which was once the main weapon of the bowlers.
If the new recommendations are implemented, bowlers will have the luxury of operating with just one ball after the first 25 overs which will bring back reverse swing and spinners back into the game.
