The Death of reverse swing in one day international cricket
300 runs is no more a winning total in a 50 over one day international game. Especially in the sub continent where most of the pitches are flat batting tracks and are burial grounds for the fast and medium pacers. So then let us look at the conditions in which bowlers can pick up wickets on these tracks. There are precious few.
Firstly if there is conventional swing on offer with the new ball, bowlers have a bit of a chance. However that rarely happens in a day-night game.
The new ball usually swings in the morning session of a test match for the first 10-15 overs (and lets not forget that it’s the red SG ball used in Test Matches in India that swings more due to its pronounced seam… Kookaburra usually does not like to swing as much).
Spinners always have a better chance in the sub continent, especially if there is some bounce in the wicket or some early wear and tear both on the pitch and the ball.
Now a fast bowler’s main weapon on the subcontinent has to be reverse swing. A ball which is about 35 Overs old, a bit soft and knocked around the park a little bit is ideal for reverse swing. Continue reading “The Death of reverse swing in one day international cricket” »