ODI rule change is breath of fresh air: Varun Aaron

Chennai: Getting ready to lead the India 'A' pace attack in the upcoming two-match unofficial Test series against Australia 'A', fast bowler Varun Aaron today said the ODI rule change is like a "breath of fresh air".

Asked about the new ODI rules, Aaron said today, "It is definitely a breath of fresh air. Bowling with four fielders outside the field was very tough. I am glad it has happened and I am sure I am speaking on behalf of all the bowlers."

In what came as a relief to bowlers, ICC last month decided to get rid of catchers in the first 10 overs, removed the batting Powerplay and also allowed five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs of an innings in one-dayers.

On cricket being a batsmen's game, the pacer said, "The game should be equally balanced. Giving bowlers a chance to take 10 wickets and for the batsman to score runs. That is how it should be."

Aaron, who has also represented the senior team, is all set for the Australia 'A' assignments starting here from July 22. "This tournament is great preparation for the Sri Lanka series. The pitches in Chennai are similar to what you get in Sri Lanka. I am looking forward to the tri-series.

"Our focus is on us but not other teams. 'A' tours are looked at differently. It is very relative but at the same time, the team picked is good enough to do well in the tournament."

Promising cricketer Shreyas Iyer, who was IPL's 'Emerging Player' earlier this year, said he doesn't change his game much in T20s and one-dayers.

"I don't change much in my game from T20 to 50 over format. The only thing I change is my state of mind. Because from T20 to one-dayers the format is completely different," he said.

Asked about 'A' team coach Rahul Dravid, Iyer said, "We all know he is not only a great player but a great mentor as well. He has shown that with Rajasthan Royals. I will get to learn a lot from him, both skill and technical side. It's great to be around him. He doesn't make you feel as a newcomer.

"The Emerging Player award helped me to get into the India 'A' team. A real great platform for a you. There is not much gap in the domestic and international cricket. I take everything as it comes and try to prove myself in whatever opportunities I get. I want to keep performing and leave the rest on the selectors," he added.