Dean Jones suggests a key rule change for the waist high no-ball

He is known to be a ‘professor’ of cricket and not without a reason. Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones is known for his forthright views that are also known for sparking a controversy or two at times. The 57-year-old recently came with yet one opinion of his on an existing rule and it again faced disapproval from some of the fans across social media.

Not all were convinced though. While one said the result of such ball is irrelevant, another said what if such a delivery is hit by the batsman before it hits the stumps. Another one asked what if the batsman is standing halfway into the pitch. Well, there is no dearth of subjective viewpoints that would hardly converge with one another. Prof Deano, perhaps because of this, decided not to take the matter any further. Everybody entitled to his/her opinion after all.

On Saturday, Deano put up with a tweet expressing his thought on a form of no ball. According to him, a delivery which goes over the waist of a batsman and misses the wickets is a “NO BALL” and it is not an invalid ball if it goes on to hit the stumps. “Just My Opinion,” Jones said at the end perhaps to reduce chances of a controversy over the matter.

What I think about the over the waist full toss- No Ball. It’s a NO BALL if the delivery is over the waist and misses the wickets… it’s NOT a no ball if it hits the stumps. Just My Opinion.

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) November 24, 2018

Bowling beamers has come under the lens

There is, in fact, a debate going on in the world of cricket over bowling non-pitching deliveries or beamers that can be potentially dangerous. The MCC has announced its amendment to law 41.7 which is related to bowling such deliveries. In the October 2017 edition of the Laws of Cricket, severe penalties were imposed on bowlers who delivered beamers above the waist height, irrespective of the speed and if such an act happened more than once, the bowler would have to be removed from the attack.

The take did not find universal supporters. According to some, this could cause a problem for young spinners who were still learning the craft and could end up getting suspended.

As per law 41.7.1: “Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler bowls such a delivery the umpire shall immediately call and signal No ball. When the ball is dead, the umpire shall caution the bowler, indicating that this is a first and final warning.”

Prof Deano could have more supporters for his opinion but it is important to note whether the aspiring bowlers are taking enough note of this law and the latest restrictions so that they do not over try.

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