Kris Srikkanth Calls For 'Fair' Balance Between Bat And Ball In T20 Cricket

Kris Srikkanth, former Indian opener, has called for a better balance between the bat and ball in T20 cricket after England made a mockery of Pakistan’s total of 196 in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series.

Riding on whirlwind knocks from skipper Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan, England went on to register their third-highest total in the shortest format of the game besides becoming only the second team after Australia to chase down a 190+ total against Pakistan.

Reviewing the match, Kris Srikkanth wrote-

“As expected, England’s firepower with the bat carried them through. No total looks safe these days, especially against England who seem to have cracked the limited-overs code at last. At no stage were the hosts in any trouble against a daunting target. This brings to focus where this format is tilting heavily in the favor of the bat,”

“There must be something in the wicket to make it a better contest. On the same day, we also saw a total of 92 defended, despite the opponents not being bowled out. It can’t be that extreme either. Low and slow turners do provide gripping contest, but again, that should not become the norm,” he added.

‘Stakeholders should ensure interest is kept alive’- Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth went on to reminisce about how the ODI cricket revolution kickstarted with the introduction of flat tracks, big bats, and complete transformation of the white ball.

“When 50-overs cricket was still in its infancy, even flat wickets produced only four runs per over on an average. Then with the advent of heavier bats, complete transformation to the white ball, afternoon starts, and even more docile tracks ensured the new normal was run-a-ball,” Srikkanth wrote.

According to the former swashbuckling opener, a total of 150-160 will provide quality viewing to the fans besides lending a fair balance between the bat and ball.

“In my opinion, a score of around 150-160 and giving the team batting second an equal chance would make for quality viewing. After all, the fans deserve it. Now that T20 is a part of the regular mix in international schedules as well, stakeholders should ensure interest is kept alive, else it would go the same way one-day cricket has,” Srikkanth added.

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