The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Tuesday announced a string of significant changes in the codes of laws. This is the first time since 2017 that the body has made considerable changes to its law.
The amendment has been made mainly for four laws starting with the "no-saliva rule'' which was introduced post Covid. The other changes that will be seen are in the mankading rule, batsmen crossing over and finally the judgment on the wide.
Let's take a closer look into each of the changes.
1) No-saliva rule
Law 41.3
The rule was first introduced post Covid to contain the spread of the virus. The change was not well received among the bowlers as the option of prolonging the shine on the ball was completely taken out of the equation. However, the rule was a need of the hour and had to be implemented and given that the virus is continuing to pave its path, the MCC has decided to make the rule permanent in its books.
The change is huge considering the history of the practice and the effect will have a huge toll on the longest format especially. The players have been desperate over the years to keep the shine on the ball that there have been instances when few players have consumed sugary eatables to adjust the shine.
2) Mankading rule
Law 38.3
Finally, the MCC have put all the arguments and doubts to bed and there would be no one more happy than the Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin at this decision. The MCC has decided to shift Mankading from unfair play section to a model dismissal, broadly classified into the run-out section.
Over the years there have been several debates on whether it was fair to dismiss the non-striker for making an advancement before the bowler delivering the ball. However, it is to be noted that it does give the batsman an added advantage and that in no way can be justified. This does mean there would be no more warnings and the batsman can be dismissed on his initial attempt.
3) Batsman cross-over
Law 18
A huge change will be seen in the new rule that will see the new batter take strike despite the previous batter crossing over with the non-striker, unless it is the last ball of the over. We have seen on several occasions the batting side making it a point to award the strike to the non-striker after holing out. The latest amendment will definitely bring about a significant effect on the batting side especially in the shortest format.
The rule has been brought to provide the bowlers the advantage of taking the wicket. This would mean that the new batter will have to strike and it definitely will not be as easy as the set batter taking charge. What are your thoughts on this big decision? Well, if you are a bowler, I guess it's a happy day for you all.
4) Wide
Law 22.1
With the game making great advancements and the batters now trying to play 360, the rule of the calling wide has been up for debate for some time now. Well, it is once again good news for the bowlers as the new implementation will see the wides being judged by the umpires based on where the batters are standing after/ before the ball is delivered. The wide line will be considered only if the batter has not changed his position and this will mean that the bowlers too can make full use of the markings.
5) Right to play the ball
Law 25.8
Previously the rule meant that the batter can not play a delivery which was delivered outside the pitch and it was judged a dead ball by the umpire. However, the latest tweak means that the batter can play the ball in the condition that any part of his body or bat remains inside the pitch. If the batter does move out of the pitch then the umpire can deem the ball dead and any ball that is way beyond the reach of the striker and he is forced to leave his crease will be signalled a no-ball.
The amendments are set to take effect from the 1st of October this year. Personally, I am excited to see how the batting team approaches the Mankading rule and change in batters crossing over rule. Do you think the changes are relevant to the flow of the game? Let us know in the comments which rule you think should be changed. Also, follow our social media handles for all the latest news and content revolving around the gentleman's game.
Cover Credits: CricketNation
