Australian opening bowler Mitchell Starc has called for the ICC to abolish the two-new ball rule in One Day International cricket.
Since 2011, two new balls are used in each ODI innings. One ball is used from either end, with each ball ending up being 25 overs old once the innings is complete.
As balls stay harder for longer if they don’t deteriorate, Starc believes it allows batters to clear the boundary easily while it also takes away the chance for reverse swing late in the innings.
Former Australian all-rounder Simon O’Donnell agreed with Starc’s sentiment believing that ODI cricket needs to become more of an even battle between bat and ball.
“I think they (Starc’s comments) are fair enough once you get an understanding of just how easy these pitches are to play on and how batter friendly they are,” O’Donnell said on SEN Breakfast.
“The other thing is the seams on these balls now are so much flatter than what they used to be. Everything is designed for the runs to be scored.
“We've got to square this up a bit (between bat and ball), it just becomes a procession, which can happen.
“I want to see it more of a contest, whether that's just early or whether it's late if the reverse swing comes in.
“I think Mitch Starc has a point. We need to just shake it up a bit and bring the bowlers into the game again.”
Former Australian captain Tim Paine understands Starc’s point as the left-armer would be even more dangerous with a reverse-swinging ball.
Paine just isn’t sure whether the ICC would revert back to a one-ball system as it could lead to a worse TV product.
“In terms of the skill, I think he's right,” Paine said on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“Mitchell Starc would love to be bowling in the death overs with a 45-over ball, not one that's 22 (overs old).
“He's an absolute nightmare if that thing's reverse swinging. So, I get it.
“I'm just not sure if it was great viewing for TV, but in terms of the game and really seeing how good players are, I think one ball would be ideal.”
Starc has taken 10 wickets so far in the ongoing ODI World Cup at an average of 43.90.
He’ll hope to return to form when Australia face South Africa in their Semi-Final in Kolkata on Thursday (AEDT).