Ricky Ponting could save Test cricket

[sifter132]

Just an idea, but this overrate saga in Australia could be a way to turn over a new leaf in the game of test cricket.

Ponting mentioned just the other week he has fears for the future of Test cricket especially in some of the smaller cricketing nations.

He also mentioned that he was invoking the 'spirit of cricket' approach when he turned to Mike Hussey and Cameron White as Australia was on the verge of storming back into the series last week.


Now Ponting should capitalise on the publicity he is getting and announce that the Australian team is planning to revitalise over rates in Test cricket, that they are going to aim to bowl 30 overs every session FOR REAL and that any players not willing to speed up their game to accomodate the new approach will be dropped...

I think it would be the perfect time to start an initiative like that. What do you think??

 

[rickyp]

It shouldn't be an initiative, it should be the rules. State cricket teams get 105 overs done in that amount of time, I see no reason why the International teams cant do 90.

 

[Therbs]

That's right. A lot of the delays are tactical in nature but not really necessary. And Ricky's launching his latest diary today. I'm getting a signed copy.

 

[Cricketman]

There should be a penalty that actually effects the game and not just the player. Like, deduction of runs or something.

 

[Sman-21]

yep gotta do something about over rates.
Test cricket is already losing more an more viewers with the rise of fast paced 20/20 most still enjoy test cricket but its easy to see how casual cricket viewers get bored with the slow play of test cricket there is absolutely no need for bowlers an captains to be taking 2mins setting fields nearly every over.

If they did there homework they should all know the bowling plans for every bowler to every batsmen so unless there getting hammered there is no need for talks every over an then even worse talks when batsmen change ends FFS all planning should have been done before the over started.

 

[Leicester Fox]

Just ban him like they did Collingwood. If he doesn't sort it out then he won't beplaying any cricket, problem solved.

 

[Skater]

It was the slow over rates and shocking broadcast quality that made the India vs Australia tests tiresome to me. Generally, though, test cricket doesn't need saving.

 

[Sman-21]

i agree i prefer tests to one dayers an 20/20 when its against 2 good competitive teams.

Trouble is the majority of cricket followers want to be entertained and see lots of action thats why after watching 20/20 an one dayers they cant get into tests.

An with kids growing up watching all the 20/20s test cricket will struggle to get good crowds

 

[sohum]

Ricky Ponting should revitalize his team's over rates to stop making the ICC look silly looking the other way.