Substitutes and split fielding restrictions approved

[Occasional Fan]

The changes mooted a couple of months ago have been approved by the ICC and will apply from 30 July, according to Bill Frindall on the BBC a moment ago. They may, if Cricket Australia and the ECB agree, also be used during the NatWest Challenge.

Our discussion on this started in May in this thread.

It seems that fielding restrictions will apply for the first ten overs of an innings and also for two further blocks of five overs each to be chosen by the fielding captain. Each team will be required to name a substitute before the toss who, if used, may undertake any batting, bowling or fielding duties of the man whom he replaces.

The ICC's news report (which is a lot more useful that Angus Fraser, who apparently attended the early meetings but is totally failing to respond to any reasonable questions from the TMS commentators this morning!) is attached here.

[Mongoose]

It can't hurt to trial these ideas. The good thing is that cricket is continuing to look at possibilties for the development and improvement of the game. We hear accusations of cricket being stuck in the past, and being unwilling to change, but these ideas are more proof that this is not true. Cricket has been very forward looking, not just in the last few years, but for some time now. Limited over cricket was a good introduction some 30-odd years ago, and has now been developed into Twenty20 as well as 50-over ODIs. The third umpire has actually created a sense of anticipation for the crowd when awaiting the decision. I think it's good that cricket embraces new ideas and change.

[Occasional Fan]

I think probably both you and I have moderated our position since May, Mongoose. Back then, we both said we were against substitutes. I think you're right when you say it can't hurt to give things a try - I feel that way also about the technological assistance for umpires which is going to be trialled in the "Super Series" later in the year. It is a ten-month trial which is being discussed for substitutes at the moment - but I do hope that it is genuinely seen as that by the powers that be and that they will give the issue some critical review over that time. Too often things are launched on a trial basis and become permanent almost by default. I remain to be convinced on the substitute issue, but I am prepared to be open minded over the test period. All I ask is that the ICC does the same.

[Kirsty Harris]

I don't like the idea of substitutes at all

I can't really explain why, as such - I haven't thought much about it - but my gut feeling is it will deminish the game, so therefore is a bad thing.

[Occasional Fan]

Discussion of the issue coming up during the lunch time interval today on TMS.

[Kirsty Harris]

I shall tune in... thanks OF!

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

I think probably both you and I have moderated our position since May, Mongoose. Back then, we both said we were against substitutes ... I remain to be convinced on the substitute issue, but I am prepared to be open minded over the test period. All I ask is that the ICC does the same.

Pretty much sums up my view. My reservation was in how the subs are used. It could be that a bowler bowls, then is replaced by a batsman. I'm not sure about that. However, both teams have the option available to them, so it seems fair at least. It's then up to the team to make the most of the sub. Unsure about it, but let them try it out.

[yubeingfunny]

Well I personally am against the idea of substitutes, i know i shouldnt knock it without seeing it in action, but it takes the point out of selecting a balanced side! At the end of the day as far as i can see it will just make the strong teams stronger and result in even more one-sided matches.

The new fielding restrictions i have plenty of time for however, as far as i can see this adds an extra dimension to the one day game and adds to the art of capitancy in having to use judgement as to when to use the two 5 over spells.

Echoing OF's sentiment I'm afraid that even if the changes do not work I dont have that much faith in the ICC's ability to admit any failings and as such i feel that these changes are probably here to stay.

[R W S]

The trend is towards 'squad' systems - like football has become with their varying substitute rules depending on what competition they are playing - will favour those countries with strength in depth, not a development that is likley to help the 'minnows'. Still should be fun while we all come up with new theories on how to exploit it to our advantage!

I also propose that they introduce a 'joker' system - like 'jeux sans frontiers'/'it's a knockout' - whereby they nominate an over when they can't be out and the runs score double - to be played between overs 20 & 40.

You heard it here first.

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by R W S

I also propose that they introduce a 'joker' system - like 'jeux sans frontiers'/'it's a knockout' - whereby they nominate an over when they can't be out and the runs score double - to be played between overs 20 & 40.

Can you buzz a quick e-mail to Aggers, RWS, so that he can get the views of the "experts" he is interviewing during the lunch interval today?