Warne's 6 point plan
I can't endorse all Warne's views but he has earnt the right to give his views on the world game with his on-pitch exploits. His 6 point plan is:
1. Fast-track umpires and raise their wages
2. End one-day internationals
3. Introduce a World Test championships
4. Ban switch-hitting
5. No rolling or sweeping the pitch once the game has started
6. Create a window for the IPL
I definitely can't agree with 4 but all the rest need consideration. I'd approach 1 completely differently as you know, using as much technology as possible, but with the same intention - to get more correct decisions. Warne is very scathing about modern umpiring.
As for the rest, all to be considered and I think the most controversial - to end one-day internationals - could easily come to pass. Watch this space....
4 comments:
You are right, Warne has earned the right to air his views, and I think he has been superb on Sky this summer.
Funny how most of his points would be in his favour!
Regarding banning switch-hitting - why? That's like saying ban shots on the leg side. I've thought that for a while if a batsman goes for a switch hit then he becomes a left handed bat and can be given out lbw to a ball that pitches outside leg - if that makes sense.
Yes, I think that's far preferable to banning switch hitting all together - if someone is good enough to play left and right handed I think that excellence should be encouraged!
No harm I guess in fast-tracking umpires, raising their wages AND giving them better tools to do the job.
Ending ODIs and having defined slots in the calendar for Tests and T20 has to be the way forward - that way each can grow its own unique character away from the current relentless (and usually meaningless) treadmill.
Plus replicate the international formula in our domestic cricket too - so the players get to practice the games that they aspire to play for their country.
Why on earth end ODIs and effectively replace them with the T20 circus? Anything further removed from proper cricket than T20 is difficult to imagine, and this retired club player and regular watcher of first class cricket over 50+ years will be put off the game once and for all by any move to more T20: it's bad enough now that the county championship is disrupted for a fortnight in mid-season for the T20 sideshow.
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