Red Cards, Cricket Bat Edges and Revamps 

As the famous cliché goes “it’s a batsmen’s game” more so in the limited over’s format, however with the new MCC proposal discussed at the recently concluded MCC meeting in Mumbai, there could be more of a balance between bat and ball that’s being struck.

Although, at this stage the changes are mere suggestions and if implemented post requisite approvals would come into effect late 2017.One of the primary change being mooted is the Send-off law, yes like in most other sports around the world this law would enable the umpire to send-off (not sure if a red card would be used) a player for disciplinary reasons while on field.

This would probably help the umpires gain full control in proceeding on the field of play, instances where such a law could come into play would be when players threaten an umpire or physically assault another player or umpire.

Another area of concern more so amongst the bowling fraternity has been the edges on cricket bats and depth which is being looked at in terms of restricting dimensions of the cricket bat to make it a more skill based even contest between bat and ball.

This is a subject that is rather close to our heart as we see so many bats come in and out of the store every year. Whilst undoubtably bats have become bigger, the authorities need to understand that in order to use a bigger but you have to be stronger too, so undoubtably batsmen fitness levels have also improved dramatically over the years and this is also what is helping them to hit the ball further. Whilst we are in favour of some sort of a limit on how thick  bats should be, to bring it down to what is being suggested at the 35mm level we think is somewhat too restrictive to the bat makers and will affect the designs in a big way.

The nature of the game has also changed considerably and to have been a bad would ultimately lead to more breakages as those players who need a heavier think about due to their physique simply won’t have them available.

The is also a consideration being given to validating catches where the ball has come in contact with the helmet or stuck in the grille of the fielders helmet. While the current ruling deems this as not out, the new ruling would make it consistent with instances where ball stuck between keeper’s pads or fielders clothing is deemed out.

The laws of the game do need to lend itself a bit more to the bowlers in today’s day and age of cricket with shorter boundaries, flatter pitches, fielding restrictions and one does hope consideration like above as well as increasing the numbers of bouncers permitted would help even up the contest and make is an exciting and balance spectacle.

Do share your thoughts.