Ethicality of using 5 spinners in a game / not using pace

[Insomniac]

We've seen this tactic used in online games, notably AC 2009 and Howzat.

However, now we're seeing it in international cricket, and it has worked for Zimbabwe (as I speak, WI are 56/5)

But, is this tactic ethical in cricket? It just leaves a bad taste to me, seeing the new ball being taken by a spinner (fair enough ,I guess that could be a tactic) - but then all the overs being bowled by spinners.

Bangladesh are also known for using the same tactic, except they do play fast bowlers and use them.

 

[King Pietersen]

If the West Indies want to make a pitch that's so conducive to turn, then Zimbabwe are within their rights to play a team full of spinners. If that's their strong suit then they shouldn't be forced to play a seamer or 2, it's not like this tactic is going to work on all surfaces.

 

[irottev]

Of course it's ethical. It's just a game tactic. I've thought about playing an attack heavy of spinners before too. For most sides the issue is finding enough quality ones. It's hugely risky too for the team playing all the spinners.

Props to Zimbabwe for innovating.

 

[Howsie]

I don't see anything wrong with it. They're playing away from home afterall.

 

[Cricketman]

If a team can play 5 quicks in a game, why can't they play 5 spinners?

In online games, however, it's a totally different issue .

 

[irottev]

They're playing away from home afterall.

Interesting point. If a home side made a bunch of dustbowl pitches and then selected 5 spinners that might be a little unethical. There's not much the touring side can do about it.

 

[aussie1st]

You could also say if a team prepares a pitch suited for seamers and they use 5 quicks then its the same principle. Spinners are equal to Seamers, so whether you use 5 of either shouldn't matter.

 

[irottev]

Most sides play 3/4 seamers and a spinner though. Occasionally 2 spinners. Any squad could probably field a side with 5 seamers however most could only field 2 spinners max.

 

[Robelinda]

Spinners have been used to open the bowling for years, when it suits the captain. NZ opened with Patel in the 92 World Cup. Mark Waugh even opened the bowling in 96 in a test match with his off spin.

 

[Cricketman]

Practically all of India's cricketing history features spinners opening the bowling . Pre Kapil it was Gavaskar used to scuff up the ball from one end and on the other one of the spinners.

 

[drainpipe32]

It's only 20 overs, what does it matter?

Zimbabwe haven't got any decent pacemen at any rate.

 

[pcfan123]

Zimbabwe haven't got any decent pacemen at any rate.

Neither do India and their number 1.

I think Zim will win one more game, IIRC they even gave Sri Lanka a fright in ODIs not too long ago.

 

[drainpipe32]

You mean when they lost 5-0?

Yeah, if you're talking about that series, I think some of the games were pretty close. At any rate, this is a good sign for them coming into the World T20 in the West Indies.

 

[angryangy]

Spinners have been used to open the bowling for years, when it suits the captain. NZ opened with Patel in the 92 World Cup. Mark Waugh even opened the bowling in 96 in a test match with his off spin.

Plus Harbhajan does it all the time in Tests, while it's a popular one day tactic in domestic cricket at the moment.

Traditional logic tells us that most of the time, searching for the edge of the bat with seam up deliveries is the most effective way to get wickets; so if a team has effective seamers and opts against using them, then that's their own prerogative. However I don't think Zimbabwe really have any good pacemen anyway; in this squad, Jarvis appears to be the only genuine seamer.

And although it might seem like a tactic not befitting an international team, it's something that pretty much can only happen at a professional level, where there are the resources to bring multiple spin bowlers together, while pitches can get worn out. We've seen even Australian teams run 3 or more spinners, but sometimes it is a famous strategy, as in the case of India's great quartet of Bedi, Chandra, Prasanna and Venkat.

 

[SciD]

There are no ethics involved in team selection. You pick XI best suited for your success. If it means picking 5 spinners then so be it.