Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc has urged cricket authorities to reconsider the use of two new balls in One Day International (ODI) cricket, aligning with the sentiments expressed by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar five years ago. Tendulkar had criticized the use of two new balls, labeling it a “perfect recipe for disaster” due to its impact on eliminating reverse swing.
Starc, who has had a challenging World Cup performance, echoed Tendulkar’s concerns and advocated for a return to the previous rule of using a single ball throughout a 50-over innings. He emphasized that a single ball stays harder for a longer duration, particularly in the context of smaller grounds and flat wickets.
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The Australian fast bowler highlighted the challenges faced by bowlers in adapting to different conditions, especially in the death overs. Starc acknowledged that certain bowlers thrive when the ball scuffs up and loses its hardness, while others need to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Despite Starc’s performance in the World Cup, he played a crucial role in a decisive moment during the match against New Zealand, contributing to Australia’s advancement to the semifinals. Starc emphasized that Test cricket holds the utmost significance for him, and he prioritizes it over other formats unless dictated otherwise by his body. The discussion on the use of two new balls in ODIs continues to be a point of contention among players and cricket authorities.
