Its a 'Bowling' Power Play, ain't it?
Since the Introduction of the batting Power play the whole mentality towards innings building has changed and majority of the cricket fans and connoisseurs have termed it a very good and much needed change in the ODI format. But that was not the case with bowling Power play as criticism has flown in from all corners regrading the Bowling Power play and what changes should be made to it as its become obvious that 11-15 0vers is the time to take it unless you have got out cheaply and going through the motion towards a defeat within the 20 overs of chasing.
Cricketholics are suggesting different things that need to be done to end this monotony. Some believe that teams should not be allowed to use it between 11-15 overs, others believe that it should be replaced by a batting Power play 2 and the rest are of the opinion that it should continue as it is.The suggestion of not allowing teams to take it during 11-15 overs does not sound good. We cannot impose such restrictions because if we do we then have to impose one on the batting team too and teams are clever enough to find a way out and they will start taking it between 15-20 and then we will complain again. Having two batting power plays is not a good option at least for the next 5 years, we don't want bowlers to forget the concept of Line and Length and bowl long hops and call them slower ball bouncer every time. Thirdly, the option of continuing it as it is will raise another debate of making first 15 overs mandatory and eliminate this BOWLING Power play.
Cricketholics are suggesting different things that need to be done to end this monotony. Some believe that teams should not be allowed to use it between 11-15 overs, others believe that it should be replaced by a batting Power play 2 and the rest are of the opinion that it should continue as it is.The suggestion of not allowing teams to take it during 11-15 overs does not sound good. We cannot impose such restrictions because if we do we then have to impose one on the batting team too and teams are clever enough to find a way out and they will start taking it between 15-20 and then we will complain again. Having two batting power plays is not a good option at least for the next 5 years, we don't want bowlers to forget the concept of Line and Length and bowl long hops and call them slower ball bouncer every time. Thirdly, the option of continuing it as it is will raise another debate of making first 15 overs mandatory and eliminate this BOWLING Power play.
The point to ponder upon is that when we call this damn thing a BOWLING Power play then why just limit it to the same rules as batting Power play and call it Bowling Power play only because its opted by the bowling team. Why don't change the rules in such a way that bowlers seem in POWER, don't forget its their Power play. Why don't allow 2 bouncers in the bowling power play that will ensure that bowlers are in power. During the Power play the captain should be allowed to have the luxury of posting test match field so that it can stop the momentum. Surely it would be great to see Dilshan do a "dilscoop" when he is on 65 off 35 balls and then we see all 9 fielders on the boundary. Other rules such as these could also be introduced giving bowlers the advantage. This way it would be fair and captains would most definitely save this Power play for death overs in normal situations and using it immediately if the batters get to a fiery start.
