ODI cricket: Finding the middle path for the middle overs

With the advent of T20 cricket and Test cricket being the pinnacle of cricket, many former cricketers, experts and cricket pundits feel that the future of One-Day cricket might be in jeopardy. It is said that there was perceived a similar danger to Test cricket when ODI cricket was introduced in the 70’s. But test cricket had always stood the test of time and would most certainly stand firm around the experimentation that goes on with other formats of the game.

The ICC have always been concerned about the health of 50 over cricket ever since the shorter, racier and more exciting format of T20 cricket has become an instant hit the world over. The ICC tweaked certain rules of ODI cricket that have become mandatory from the 1^st October, 2011.

1. Abolition of runners in ‘all’ formats of international cricket.
2. Use of two new balls, one from either end, in ODI cricket.
3. The batting and bowling power plays to be used between the 16^th and the 40^th over period.

These are the major changes that the ICC brought in very recently. The fact that of the 10 test playing nations have been competing in some format or the other means that ICC would get some semblance of the effects caused by these changes.

The last two of the aforementioned points would be ideal to study the effect they are having and might have in ODI cricket in different conditions. But from most of the ODI cricket so far, it’s been quite evident that the power play rule has not been able to add to the unpredictability of the middle-over period. Bowling captains continue, as before, to take the bowling power play as soon as it becomes available, i.e., the 16^th over. The batting side too, does the same by letting the batting power play to be taken by default, i.e., at the start of the 36^th over. Although, the issue regarding the monotony between the earlier, 15^th-40^th over period might be reduced to the 20 to 35 over mark. May be, in due course of time we might see a more unpredictable and exciting middle-overs period. But delving too much into this new regulation might be jumping the gun. Let us, rather wait and watch.

The series between Australia and South Africa (in South Africa) is expected to offer a sharp contrast to the India-England series (in India) as far as the new-ball rule is concerned. Two new balls in sub-continent conditions have meant that the first 10-12 odd overs would assist the seamers as opposed to earlier where seamers hardly had any movement after 5-6 overs. Before the rule change, Dhoni used to get at least one spinner into the attack by the 10^th over, if not earlier but it was quite evident in the series against England, that the M.S. Dhoni was reluctant to bring on spin before 15-16 overs. By, say the end of 16 overs, each ball would be 8 overs old. It would be very difficult for spinners to grip the ball before that. So, M.S had to change his tactics. The change also means that none of the two balls can be older than 25 overs. Hence, the role of reverse swing in reduced. Reverse swing, is a quantum of solace for seamers in sub-continental conditions. The spinners too, would get limited purchase from the track. The batsmen though, may continue to make merry.

Whereas in South Africa, it was evident that seamers were enjoying the two new balls from either end. In places such as South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia, bowlers are bound to extract some movement and pace from the conditions that are generally helpful. Again, much reverse swing might not be available for the pacers and spinners too, might not get much assistance from the track. The batsmen are bound to be tested and are being tested (in S.A.) for at least the first 20 to 25 overs.

I feel there might be one common respite for all the bowlers when there is dew on the outfield. It would mean that as opposed to one ball being subjected to the dew, for say 30 overs, now it would be 15 overs each for one ball. It would be interesting to see, if the ICC equips the umpire with something in his pocket that would help one of the balls to dry while the other is in use.

Hence, playing conditions would play a pivotal role in team selection. In due course of time, the picture would be clearer. There is no harm in trying to chop and change the set pattern, especially when there is competition within cricket, amongst its different formats and completion from a host of other sports that are gaining in popularity.