Published: Dec 10, 2018, 05:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 10, 2018, 05:01 PM (IST)
Australia’s highly popular Big Bash League [BBL] is set to introduce bat flip that will replace coin toss for the upcoming season that gets underway from December 19.
BBL has been known for bringing out innovations in the past including the zings stumps that would light up on being disturbed and they eventually made their way to international cricket.
However, their latest foray could divide opinions as using coin toss to decide who bats or bowl first is an age-old practice.
Viewers will be treated to the unsual sights of captains “flats” and “hills” instead of “heads” and “tails”.
Kim McConnie, head of BBL, knows what entails to tinker with one of cricket’s oldest customs but has thrown her weight behind the move. “For me it’s a great moment which reflects what BBL is about,” Kim McConnie, said. “Some people don’t like change but I’d also challenge people to say when was the last time anyone watched the coin toss or really focused on it to a great extent?” she said.
However, questions will be raised regarding the fairness as more often than not, the bat has the tendency to fall on it “flats” making “hills” as the preferred option. However, McConnie said that they will be using a customised bat for the purpose so as to ensure equal probability of either outcome.
“I’ve got it from great authority at our [bat maker] Kookaburra friends that this is a tested and weighted bat to deliver that equity. Now we are making it much more relevant to families, we are creating a moment which is much more fitting with kids,” she said.
