MCC open to changing short bowling rules, debates on DRS

|| CF DESK ||

The World Cricket committee (WCC) of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), have discussed reviewing various rules of cricket in a virtual meeting. Bouncer, DRS, The Test World Championship, use of saliva on the ball, the umpires of the host country and women's cricket.

Veteran Sachin Tendulkar recently questioned the Decision Review System (DRS) due to a number of bad decisions by umpires in the case of LBW. In the case of LBW, there has been extensive discussion on umpire’s calls using the DRS method.

"They (the committee) felt it would be simpler if the original decision was disregarded on review, and that there was a simple out or not out, with no umpire's call. The 'hitting zone' of the stumps would still be retained, which had to be hit by at least 50 per cent of the ball for an Out decision. If such a protocol was introduced, they felt it should also include a reduction to one unsuccessful review per team, or for the relevant review to be lost irrespective of its outcome" MCC said in a statement.

Many members voted against the umpire's call. Where some wanted to bring a little change and some members wanted to retain the current rules. Their idea is that the spectators are misunderstanding. However, the committee wants the umpires' call to be canceled.

They also talked about the effectiveness of the umpires call in and out of 30 yards. Committee members think the umpires' calls within 30 yards are working well. However, there is trouble in taking any decision near the boundary. It was proposed that TV umpires should give a soft signal whether out or not out.

The short-pitch bowling has become a topic of debate lately, in the Australia-India series, cricketers were hit by injuries. MCC members would seek views around the world on whether short pitch delivery laws are appropriate for modern cricket. WCC felt that it is the duty of the club to ensure safety of the players.

MCC have also raised questions on whether to allow substitute players, if someone is injured [concussion] during the match. The head of the panel former England captain Mike Gatting said that.

"There are important aspects to consider in the consultation, namely the balance between bat and ball; whether or not concussion should be recognised as a different injury to any other sustained; changes which are specific to particular sectors of the game -- e.g. junior cricket; and whether or not lower-order batsmen should be given further protection than the Laws currently allow."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the use of saliva on the ball due to the spread of coronavirus. However, MCC wanted to prohibit the use of saliva and stay with the previous decision.