New cricket rules with fielding side using two balls start this weekend

The ICC`s Executive Board approved the changes in May, following proposals from its Cricket Committee.

Sydney: A fielding side will use two new balls from each end in one-day cricket when revised rules for the international game come into force on October 1.

The International Cricket Council’s Executive Board approved the changes in May, following proposals from its Cricket Committee. ICC General Manager Cricket David Richardson said: “Some of the amendments are very simple some of them are a little bit more complicated. But I think what they do is improve all formats of the game to make them a better spectacle for the fan watching.” Besides two new balls, to be used in alternate overs, there will also be a change in powerplays in ODIs. The total number of powerplay overs will remain at 20 per innings with the first block of 10 being at the start of the innings. The remaining second and third block of (five) powerplay overs may not be taken so as to commence earlier than the 16th over nor be completed later than the 40th over. The restrictions will not apply for reduced innings of a scheduled duration of less than 40 overs, a leading daily reports. A runner will not be allowed for an injured player during Test, ODI or Twenty20. However, the injured or ill batsman will have the option of retiring hurt and returning to bat at the fall of ninth wicket. In another development, if an umpire feels that a batsman, while running between the wickets, has significantly changed his direction and obstructed a fielder`s attempt to run him out, the batsman should be given out for obstructing the field. Other changes provide extra time to complete a Test match and affect a bowler`s attempt to run out a non-striker before delivery. Umpires can decide to play 15 minutes - a minimum of four overs - of extra time at a scheduled lunch or tea interval if requested by a captain and if, "in the umpires`` opinion, it would bring about a definite result in that session," the amended rule states. ANI