5 New rules that can make Test cricket more interesting
After almost 140 years of Test cricket, we have a format which intriguing and interesting for the traditionalists. But what more can be done to add a bit more flavour to it?
4. Substitute rule
In 2005, a super-sub was introduced in cricket where the 12th man can come into the XI replacing a player. But, the rule didn’t get a lot of positive response as everyone felt that it was unfair. The thing was that the 12th man had to be announced ahead of the match and there was a case that it can benefit one team more than the other.
But, in Test cricket, a simple rule of allowing one change for each team after the conclusion of the first innings of the two teams can add a little twist to the match. Imagine a spinner getting added in both the teams after the third day’s play as the ball would now turn more than the first innings.
On top of that, other than concussion rules, cricket really doesn’t allow any substitutes. Take an example of Umesh Yadav’s case in the Boxing Day Test match in 2020. He got an injury and was ruled out only after bowling his second over in the second innings. Luckily, on that occasion, it didn’t hurt India.
But there have been other teams on other occasions who have suffered. A substitute can be put into place after medical professional checks and decides if the player is fit enough or not.
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