On The Cricket Pitch

Technology changing face of international cricket

Philip Hackett

Wednesday,  June 29, 2005

International cricket is poised for yet another dramatic change to playing conditions as the ICC has given the green light to the use of football-style substitutes in cricket.

The innovation will only affect one-day international matches, but it has the potential to revolutionise the manner in which teams devise their strategy in the shortened form of the game.

Test cricket is also likely to see dynamic changes as the ICC seeks to utilise available technology in an effort to help umpires make more accurate decisions.

While the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players Association were involved in their latest industrial stand-off that has plunged regional cricket further into the mire, the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) was involved in a two day meeting at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Friday and Saturday. It was part of a series of meetings that also included the ICC Annual Conference and the ICC Cricket Business Forum.

The Cayman Islands was represented by Technical Director, Theo Cuffy, and President of the local association, Chief Inspector Courtney Myles. The series of meetings ended yesterday.

The CEC approved the introduction of two innovations into all one-day internationals from 30 July. The new regulations, which involve the fielding restrictions and the introduction of replacement players, will be used on a trial basis for ten months, after which they will be reviewed by the cricket committee next year. It was the cricket committee, chaired by former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar, which made the initial recommendations.
Under the new plan, fielding restrictions will now be in place for 20 overs rather than 15. The restrictions that now apply over the first 15 overs will go into effect for the first ten and then two further blocks of five each, to be determined by the captain of the fielding side. However the additional ‘close catcher’ field restriction will only be used in the first ten overs.

The CEC also approved the introduction of substitutes that will allow teams to replace a player at any stage of a match. The replaced player will take no further part in the match while the replacement will be entitled to assume any remaining batting or bowling duties. Both players will be given credit for having played a full international match.

The technology trial will be tested in the Super Series in Australia in October. This will allow on-field umpires to consult with the TV umpire on any aspect of any decision with the final decision remaining with the on-field umpire.

The only exceptions to this will be line decisions, which will be dealt with by the TV umpire in the same manner as at present, and clean catches, where the existing process will also be retained. The current practice for clean catches is that they are only referred where both umpires are unsighted as this is one area where TV replays have been inconclusive.

Some critics will frown on these changes as they did when one day international cricket, night cricket, the white ball, coloured clothing and other major ideas were first introduced, but I am happy to see the ICC making the effort to maintain freshness in cricket through thoughtful measures designed to create interest and excitement. It may be necessary to make modifications as these innovations are monitored, but the ICC should not be intimidated by those reluctant to embrace change, which is an inevitable part of life.

Locally the Cayman Islands Cricket Association has also been trying to instil new life in the domestic league. The loss of the Nation’s Cup was regrettable, but there has been an encouraging response to the division two Twenty20 competition. A six-a-side tournament is also being planned for this coming weekend.

If we expect cricket in the Cayman Islands to grow through the involvement of young players it is important the image of the game is protected, particularly at the highest level.

I am not aware of any players from Police or the Village Greenies who have faced disciplinary action since my involvement with local cricket. That is the reason why I enjoy watching these two clubs and can recommend my students do the same. Cricket is not only about winning and losing, but character building. I commend these two Division one clubs for their fine sportsmanship. Hopefully they will continue to maintain these high standards on and off the field.

It is also pleasing to note that since the introduction of the new Code of Conduct only one second-division club has been penalised for bringing the game into disrepute.

Players and clubs will have grievances from time to time but in addressing these they will be expected to display a level of maturity consistent with adulthood and the gentlemanly nature of the sport of cricket. It is unfortunate when cricketers at any level travel the world competing yet seem to learn so little about decorum and deportment.

Players should realise that complaints will often be better received and acted upon if accompanied by a constructive suggestion for improvement that does not only promote self interest. It is critical to the development of our cricket that we all see the big picture. We become non-productive when consumed with trivialities. Disruptive behaviour is a serious affront to sponsors.

The introduction of The Code of Conduct has been a positive aspect of our development, but the process is time consuming, especially for those volunteering to adjudicate. I believe it is time for the match referee to be introduced. Only two will be required on any one match day on Grand Cayman, and judicious use of their powers could help the association avoid lengthy hearings and paperwork.

Hopefully this system would ensure we never reach the stage where we need the presence of security personnel at matches to monitor player behaviour and protect spectators from being harassed.

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