Split-innings are just a quick fix
The latest attempt to inject life into the one-day format comes courtesy of Cricket Australia and involves split-innings of 20 overs each
Tariq Engineer
25-Feb-2013
The latest attempt to inject life into the one-day format comes courtesy of Cricket Australia and involves split-innings of 20 overs each. The new format will be introduced in next season’s FR Cup, and if successful, could be used at the 2015 World Cup. However, not everyone is convinced. Writing in the Guardian, Andy Bull says split-innings is not the solution to one-day cricket's problems.
This is not a viable long-term solution for 50-over cricket's ill health. With the exception of Tendulkar's point that both teams have to bat in the same conditions, the arguments in favour of split innings all stem from the novelty of the format. At the rate games are currently scheduled, that will soon wear off. If the aim is to reduce the predictability of matches there are other broader cures that the ICC should look at: reduce the number of fixtures, ensure that all games are played in the context of meaningful competitions, and encourage pitches that offer a balance between bat and ball. Splitting the innings is just a quick fix.
Tariq Engineer is a former senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo