Limited overs, unlimited players
From left field, John Stern, editor of the Wisden Cricketer , has a unique idea for an innovation in one-day cricket: an American football-style squad system, wherein sides can name an almost unlimited number of players in their squad and use them
Dustin Silgardo
25-Feb-2013
From left field, John Stern, editor of theWisden Cricketer, has a unique idea for an innovation in one-day cricket: an American football-style squad system, wherein sides can name an almost unlimited number of players in their squad and use them as and when the game requires them.
There would be no tail-enders, no rubbish bowlers. There would be no selection of an XI – only batting, bowling and fielding line-ups that could be switched at any time. Players could be substituted at any time though no more than 11 players could bat or be in the field at any time and the over restrictions on bowlers could remain. You could pick your best wicketkeeper without worrying how many runs he’ll get you. You might have a keeper who’s great standing back and one who’s a whizz up to the stumps. They’ll both be in your squad and they will both get on the field.
Dustin Silgardo is a former sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo