''No Runs For A Leg-Bye'' - Mark Waugh Suggests A New Rule Change

Yet again, a former cricketer calls for a rule change in the game of cricket. After various cricketers suggesting new rules for the betterment of the game, now, the former Australian Mark Waugh has suggested a surprising change. He feels that the ICC must remove the runs, which come as leg-byes.

Mark Waugh believes that leg-byes should be done away with the gentleman’s game as he feels that the batting team shouldn’t get runs for the ball hitting the pad. He suggested it on air during a Big Bash League match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder.

No leg-byes, especially in T20 Cricket – Mark Waugh

Commentating for a Big Bash League game, Mark Waugh suggested the change to fellow commentator Michael Vaughan. The former England cricketer wasn’t convinced with the call, but Waugh was very serious in the rule change, as he stressed it for quite a few times during the game.

Read More: Aakash Chopra Reveals His Test XI Of The Decade

While doing commentary for Fox Cricket broadcast, Waugh said: “You know what, I’ve got a rule change in all cricket: No leg-byes, especially in T20s. That should not be two runs. Why do you get runs? You missed the ball.”

In response, former England Michael Vaughan, who was on commentary with Waugh, said: “It’s just a part of the game.” But Waugh remained adamant on his call: “And I’m changing it. I know it is. It doesn’t mean it’s right, though.”

Vaughan argued further: “I’m not too sure. So you reckon every time it hits the pad?” “Why should you get a run? I know it’s a part of the game. But can we change it for the better? All cricket,” Waugh replied.

Idea Of Batting is to hit the ball:

Just a couple of overs later, Thunders were benefited with four more leg byes as Ross was again struck on the pads. It once again didn’t go well with Mark Waugh, who thrashed the pioneer of that rule.

“There you, there’s more runs off the pad. The idea of batting is to hit the ball. Whoever made this rule up was a pretty ordinary batsman I’d say back in the heyday, back in the early 1900s,” he said.

Read More – Glenn McGrath gives his opinion on 4-Day Test Match

Well, it would be interesting to see whether the International Cricket Council will look after the suggestion or not. Melbourne Stars went on to win the match as they quickly chased down the target of 143 runs set up by the opposition. Nick Larkin was the man of the game.