Busta Cup to use ICC no-ball rule (12 January 1999)

12 January 1999

Busta Cup to use ICC no-ball rule

By Haydn Gill

A rule recently added to international cricket will be implemented in the 1999 Busta Cup regional first-class competition.

It further penalises bowlers guilty of sending down no-balls, according to the tournament's Playing Conditions.

"A penalty of one run shall be scored for a no-ball, plus any runs scored from the delivery," says Condition No. 18.

"The above penalty shall also apply to fast short-pitched balls and fast, high, full-pitched balls."

In essence, if a batsman hits a no-ball for six, his side will be credited with seven runs.

"The striker may hit a no-ball and whatever runs result shall be added to his score," says Condition No. 20.

"Runs made otherwise from a no-ball shall be scored no-balls."

This rule was introduced to international cricket last year and is currently being applied in the Test series between West Indies and South Africa.

Bowlers will also come under more scrutiny with the interpretation of wides, according to Condition No. 21.

"Law 25.1 will apply, but in addition, for bowlers who umpires consider to be bowling down the leg-side as a negative tactic, the One-Day International wide interpretation will be applied.

"A penalty of one run for a wide shall be scored. This penalty shall stand in addition to any runs which are scored or awarded."

The rule is believed to have been added to target leg-spinners who consistently bowl around the wicket and into the "rough".

Another change to the conditions deals with the extra half-hour added to the end of a day's play in the event that a result can be achieved on that evening.

In the past, captains could have requested the extra time and umpires had to say.

"If the umpires do not believe a result can be achieved, no extra time shall be allowed," says Condition 2.3.

"The umpires may decide to play 30 minutes extra time at the end of any day (other than the last day) if requested by either captain if, in the umpires' opinion, it would bring about a definite result on that day."

The Busta Cup opens on Thursday with a match between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana at Guaracara Park. Barbados start their campaign the following day against the Windward Islands at Kensington Oval.

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)