New ICC rules for ODIs: Bowlers back in the game

CHENNAI: ICC, in it's bid to make bowlers more relevant in ODIs, has decided to scrap the batting Powerplay and allowed five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs. The other notable change is that the rule of having two fielders in catching positions in the first 10 overs has been done away with.
The changes were made keeping in mind the surge of 400-plus scores in ODIs, especially in the subcontinent.One bowler who suffered under the rule changes was R Vinay Kumar, who gave away 102 runs in nine overs in an ODI against Australia in 2013, the worst by any Indian bowler.
The Karnataka medium-pacer, despite leading his state side to back to back Ranji titles, never got another chance to play for India. "Finally, the ICC has thought about us. With the batsmen playing innovative shots, I can't say that the balance has shifted in favour of bowlers. But at least these new rules will give us some protection. It is a positive move," Kumar told TOI.
He feels bowlers can now be more aggressive. "We can bowl aggressively and go for wickets. Earlier, the batting side took the batting Powerplay between 3640 overs. Then, with four fielders outside the circle in the last 15 overs, they used to go on a rampage. Now, with five fielders, chances of getting a wicket is more."

Match referee and former India paceman Javagal Srinath feels the bowlers will get more protection now that the ICC has increased the number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs. "Well, you can't score 350-400 easily any more. I can see the bowlers now having a say in the outcome. I would have been happier had they increased the number of fielders to six instead of five. Then the batsmen would have been under a lot of pressure," he said.
Former Indian opener Krisnamachari Srikkanth, though feels that the batsmen who are really good will still get the runs. "You cannot possibly contain a Chris Gayle or a AB de Villiers when in full flow. But the change of rule will make the batsmen think a little more," said Srikkanth.
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