Veteran South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis conceded that there should be tweaking in the ODI cricket in a bid to favour the bowlers as well. With the game titled more towards batters, Kallis believes the change in powerplay rules will put things at equilibrium on the balance scale.
Kallis wants balance in the ODI cricket:
The Proteas star has served as an ambassador for the ICC during the recently-held ICC World Cup 2019. While backing the bowlers, Kallis reiterated that the tweaking in ODIs would further ease up things a bit for the bowling department.
“Sometimes you have to find a balance between bat and ball and give the bowlers something to work with, especially with the new ball to make those first few overs a bit tougher. Otherwise, who wants to be a bowler? It’s hard work as it is and that’s why keeping that balance is vital so each guy gets a fair opportunity to showcase his skills,” Kallis told the ICC digital.
Pertinently, as of now, the bowlers can station four fielders outside the 30-yard circle between 11 and 40 overs. His suggestion came on seeing bowlers have been under the pump, particularly on the placid of the surfaces.
“I do feel there needs to be one or two little tweaks going forward. Because I think bowlers are really finding it tough on good wickets when they are under pressure,” Kallis said.
The 43-year-old Cape Town-born Kallis remarked that old format should be introduced in the 50-over format which somewhat allows bowlers to set the field with more freedom.
Kallis further added that the slow bowlers need this option at least to have five fielders outside the ring.
“So the old format when after 10 overs you’re allowed five fielders outside the circle. I think the bowlers do need that option, especially the spin bowlers,” Kallis added.
Kallis on featherbeds:
Also, he stressed that the 22-yard surface shouldn’t often serve batsman. He added the 350-plus surface shouldn’t usually be the case.
“That’s the one tweak I would like to see in the one-day game, give the bowlers something back. The wickets shouldn’t always be 350-plus wickets as well,” Kallis further added.
While speaking about the ODI showpiece, Kallis has deemed it as the ‘superb advertisement for ODI cricket’.
“This ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has definitely lived up to expectations. I had a little bit of concern beforehand that the bat would overpower the ball,” Kallis concluded.
Kallis has himself featured in 328 ODIs between 1996 and 2014. He had accumulated 11579 runs at an average of 44.4.