CRICKET: The junior branch of the Leinster Cricket Union is an organisation that, contrary to what some might think, is not afraid of change. Regulations are constantly being updated in line with feedback from players.
For instance, in recent years we have seen the introduction of over restrictions for bowlers, the reduction in overs for many of the lower leagues and the welcome abolishment of the 60-over Senior 2 Cup in favour of a 50-over competition. But the union must continue to move with the times if it is to enhance interest in the game.
It seems the concept of 20/20 cricket is here to stay, at least in the medium term. Given the success of the LHW 20/20 Murray Cup this year, it may be time for the junior branch to put out feelers to see if a new format could be found for the various 20-over competitions.
This may not necessarily require the use of coloured clothing, white balls and the like but it might be a good idea to introduce a league format to the Tillain Cup, YMCA Salver and Whelan Cup in order to offer more of this type of cricket. Such is the demand on grounds at weekends, it may be necessary to carry this on midweek, which clearly brings problems for players who in day jobs, but if you maintained a regional structure to the league format, it should still be possible.
Leagues of four or five, the top teams playing off in a semi-final and final, would be a great way to give juniors a taste of what the senior teams are now enjoying.
Another facet of the junior game that needs change is the strict observance of the one-day wide rule by umpires in the Senior 2 and 3 leagues. Effectively this means that, as in senior cricket, anything bowled down the leg side is a wide. This rule was brought in to force bowlers into a tighter line so they would not look out of place when they moved to the senior leagues.
In effect, however, two things have been happening. First, some sides have been crucified by conceding 40 or 50 extras in a match just because one ball in six slides down the leg side. Second, to combat this captains are telling bowlers to slow down and concentrate on their line.
As happens in Australia and South Africa, young bowlers should be encouraged to bowl as fast as they can in short spells, consistency of line and length being something they can develop as they mature.
With our national side in need of genuine pace bowlers at present, this regulation is doing nothing to remedy that situation.
Finally (for now), all men's cricket in Leinster, regardless of level, should start at 12.30 through the summer. This still gives time for underage cricket in the mornings or for teams to travel for games. The benefit is that matches are over by 6.30, allowing players a life outside cricket and perhaps a meaningful relationship with his partner.
Continuing the theme of low scores in junior cricket, David Streek in Donegal recalls playing for Phoenix under-13s as an eight-year-old against Malahide in the late 1970s. Batting first, Phoenix were all out for a duck. Malahide asked if they could bat their 20 overs as practice, only to be dismissed for 15.
jfitzgerald@irish-times.ie
England have named an unchanged squad for Thursday's third Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford.
