Friday, September 14, 2007

Twenty Two and its effects

Just like the impact one-day cricket had on the game- better fielding, faster running between wickets, diving stops, more attractive strokeplay- I believe that Twenty Twenty will also have an impact, the biggest which could be scores of 400 in 50 over matches.
It is said that this new format is all to the detriment of the bowlers, but on the contrary, it puts a lot of pressure on the batsmen! Every dot-ball puts pressure on the batsman. Every wicket to fall is a dot-ball to, so if a team loses 6-wickets in their innings, thats 6 dot balls additionally or one over less for the batting side. So not losing wickets is also as important here, even though it is just twenty overs. And again, this is adding to the batsmen's pressure. Where is the pressure on the bowler here? I dont see it.
This format will also bring about changes in bowling skills. Bowlers will have to learn to be more and more accurate and precise. The action is quick, fast-paced which would mean that bowlers like Munaf Patel who are pathetic fielders have no place here. which I feel is the right way for it to be. Fielding is a very important part of the game, its one of the 3 dimensions of the game where each player needs to compulsorily perform and if you are not fit to perform in this one, you better stay out.
So better fielding, more accurate throwing will also be positives emerging out of this format.

The one possibility I am not happy about is the chances of this game also becoming a power game, just like tennins has become now. I hope it doesnt become a slogger's game.

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