Richard Woods' '5IVES' proposal could change ODIs forever

Neil Manthorp, writing for supersport.com, has had enough of one-day cricket in its current form and feels that all attempts to arrest its declining popularity have failed. There is hope, however, in the form of Richard Wood's simple yet innovative proposal for multiple split-innings '5IVES' cricket which is akin to the invention of the wheel in cricketing terms.

Some of the greatest brains in the game have failed to arrest the decline in popularity of one-day cricket, both internationally and domestically. There have been flirtations and dabbling with playing conditions, some of which have been very good and some just plain stupid (substitutes).

But did the ICC's Cricket Committee really slap each other on the back and say "that'll get the crowds flooding back" when they introduced the batting power-play? Now, however, there is a new format for Unions and Boards to consider, and it is so good -- and simple -- that it ranks among the invention of the wheel in cricketing terms. It was created by a man who most certainly does not rank among the greatest brains in cricket -- perhaps that is why it is so successful. Richard Wood is a South African actuary who took a completely dispassionate view of the game and looked at it as only 'numbers men' can. There was no outdated, emotive rubbish to consider about what you 'can' and 'can't' do during an innings or bowling spell.