The Cricket Fraternity's View on Individual Scores Becoming Routine in One-Day Internationals

The cricket fraternity seems to have a divided opinion on the increasing trend of individual scores becoming routine in one-day internationals (ODIs). This phenomenon raises questions about the standards and values in the game, especially concerning pitches and the quality of bowlers.

Quality of Pitches: The Culprit

One of the most significant contributing factors to this trend is the quality of pitches. A notable factor is the number of double centuries in ODIs, particularly within the sub-continent. The Bangalore and Kolkata grounds, renowned for their history, now frequently produce mammoth scores, often at the expense of competitive cricket.

Why are pitches so flat and supportive of big scores? The conversation often points to cricket administrators and curators who might have a vested interest in these favorable conditions. The mindset of ensuring that home teams can pile up runs without much resistance clearly impacts the overall game. For instance, international matches in India are more often than not bowler-friendly, resulting in lower scores from visiting teams.

Additionally, it is pointed out that pitches have been designed to cater to the demands of domestic cricket, specifically the Indian Premier League (IPL), which further exacerbates this issue. The preference for pitches that favor batsmen over bowlers has become more pronounced, leading to inflated scores.

Powerplays and Bowler Restrictions

Another significant factor leading to inflated scores is the strategic changes in the game, such as powerplays and restrictions on bowlers. Over the last decade, cricket has increasingly become a batsman's game, with more overs allocated for super overs during powerplays, and restrictions on the number of bouncers per over. These changes have made life easier for batsmen, allowing them to score more freely.

The Influence of T20 Cricket

The advent of T20 cricket, with the likes of the IPL, Big Bash, and other T20 leagues, has brought a different playing style into ODI and Test cricket. Batsmen now take more risks, innovate, and adapt to the changing dynamics of the shorter format. This increased risk-taking mentality is partly responsible for the rise in individual scores.

The focus on run-scoring and the emphasis on quick finishes have made large scores more acceptable in ODIs. The innovative spirit brought by T20 cricket has seeped into ODI cricket, altering the traditional approach to the game.

The State of Bowlers and Quality Pitch Decline

The lack of quality bowlers internationally is another major reason why individual scores have become routine. The best modern bowlers are limited to a few, such as Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga, and Mitchell Johnson. Leading fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, and Ben Hilfenhaus are frequently called up, while lesser-known and less effective bowlers are sometimes preferred.

Moreover, the decline in pitch quality for the past few years has made it harder for current bowlers to develop and showcase their talents. Gone are the days when the likes of Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, and other great bowlers could dominate on any pitch, even as a visiting team. The current generation of bowlers struggles to perform on flat surfaces, leading to a reliance on home conditions.

Conclusion

While it is undeniable that individual scores have become more common in ODIs, the reasons behind this trend are multifaceted and not easily resolved. Changes in pitch conditions, strategic adjustments, and a general shift in playing style all play a role. However, it is essential to ensure that the game remains competitive and exciting for fans, players, and other stakeholders.

The cricket fraternity must work towards a balanced approach that does not favor one aspect of the game at the expense of the other. Only then can ODIs continue to hold the interest of spectators and maintain their significance in the cricketing world.