Twenty 20 can refresh longer versions of cricket

Observers of the game have been worried about the growing importance of Twenty 20 and how it could adversely affect batting skills. But the format could add value to the game, writes Daryll Cullinan in Businessday.

A prime example was Duminy’s lap over the keeper’s head off Australian quickie Shaun Tait during the recent Twenty 20 series. It was one of the most amazing shots I have ever seen. The ball is going to new places in the field.

The new kids on the block have fresh minds and seem less paranoid about adapting between limited-overs cricket and Test cricket. Fifty-over cricket affected scoring rates in Test cricket for the better. Fielding also drastically improved and the need for athleticism, strength and power quickly became paramount. Can Twenty 20 take it even further, and is it affecting the game positively or negatively?