The outbreak of the Coronavirus has put the cricketing world to a halt.  The sport is slowly resuming now with associate countries staging T10 and T20 tournaments. However, as the post-pandemic changes, ICC has banned the use of saliva to shine the ball while the umpires have advised not to handle the ball without gloves and wear masks. Meanwhile, New Zealand cricketer Sophie Devine and India’s Jemimah Rodrigues have suggested innovations in the game in the post-pandemic era.

Devine suggested that reduced cricket ball will help the bowlers a lot. According to her, the fast bowlers can increase their pace while the spinners will also be able to turn the ball a long way.

Devine also reckons that it is no harm to try new things out and help the game grow with more excited athletes coming in. According to the ICC regulations, the ball should weigh around 140-151g with a circumference of 21-22.5cm in Women’s cricket.

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During ICC Webinar, Devine said, “I’m a bigger fan of looking at a smaller ball but keeping the pitch the same size. That way, I reckon bowlers are going to be able to bowl the ball quicker, spinners are going to be able to turn the ball more. Hopefully, the ball should fly a bit further as well, whereas you’re still keeping the traditional length of the pitch.”

She further elaborated, “If it’s going to help the game flourish, I think: why not? Why would we not have a crack at it and see what happens? I think you’ve always got to have a bit of trial and error and see what works. I think if we are stuck with traditional formats, we’d be missing out on a lot of new players, new kids, new athletes to the game.”

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Jemimah Rodrigues was also present at the Webinar and she agreed on reducing the length of the pitch in Women’s cricket will help a long way. The 19-year-old is of the opinion that it will make the game more interesting and more competitive matches will take place.