BBL13: Bat stands on edge during 'Bat Flip' for Sydney Thunder-Brisbane Heat clash

In a daring move that shook up cricket traditions, the 13th edition of the Big Bash League introduced a radical twist: tossing bats instead of coins to determine batting or bowling first. This unconventional shift had captains calling ‘hills’ or ‘roofs’ and ‘flats’ during the bat flip, with the away team captain making the crucial call.

The only rule is that the bat has to complete a full rotation before landing to validate the decision. However, during the 6th match of BBL 2023-24 between Sydney Thunders and Brisbane Heat, a rare moment occurred as the bat stood on its edge, forcing for a re-toss. This backyard cricket-esque spectacle quickly captured attention.

Here's the bizarre moment occured during the game:

Many critics argued that relying on a bat flip could be less reliable and unfair compared to the traditional coin toss. Shannon Gill, Kookaburra’s head of communications, defended the change, highlighting the company’s efforts to ensure bats are crafted with symmetrical weight, aiming to maintain fairness in the process.

“The BBL charged our bat-maker, Lachan Dinger, with the job of coming up with a bat that was of symmetrical weight...Lachie has done the job, though, and Kookaburra is excited to be part of a concept that will stir childhood memories of cricket in the backyard, schoolyard or on the beach,” Gill was quoted as saying on the International Cricket Council (ICC) website.

Cricket fanatics concerned over game losing its quintessance 

Amidst the colorful bats spinning in the air, the BBL13 faced some backlash from those concerned about the game deviating from its traditional essence. However, stakeholders defended the move, emphasising the league’s aim to engage younger audiences and captivate attention right from the outset of each match. This innovation sparked debates on cricketing purity while aiming to appeal to a younger demographic.

“For me, it’s a great moment which reflects about BBL is about...Some people don’t like change, but I’d also challenge people to say when was the last time anyone watched the coin toss or really focused on it to a great extent. Now we are making it much more relevant to families – we are creating a moment which is much more fitting with kids," Kim McConnie, Cricket Australia’s head of the Big Bash League, had told the ABC.