Kane Richardson believes on-field innovations for the Big Bash are worth discussing but in the end the tournament will be judged on the quality of the cricket.
Since the tournament expanded two seasons ago there was a debate approximately if it has diluted the league with a slip in average attendance and viewing figures. With the competition set to keep its expanded 61-game format, which is locked in as a part of the broadcast deal, any changes will be seen in the middle with a range of tweaks being thought to be ranging from bonus points to free hits for wides.
Richardson used to be not especially enthused by the idea of being penalised further for letting go a wide, but sees the value in having a look at bringing new elements to the game whether it adds to the experience for fans on TV and in the ground. Alternatively, fundamentally, high-quality cricket played on good pitches with the bat dominating is what is going to get people coming back or tuning in again.
“I think with the entire innovations, it is a good discussion to have but in spite of everything the most productive selling point would be the standard of cricket,” he said. “When people turn on the TV at night or come to the ground they wish to see high-scoring games, full of skill, albeit knowing as a bowler that means better pitches, faster outfields, even smaller boundaries. I think we are all used to it, been that way for a while now.
“The quality of pitches is something that’s possibly lacked in the final couple of years and they started to receive that correct final year. So long as the skill and the runs are there then think anyone will be happy.
“I saw a couple of things had been mentioned. Bonus points, that would be great, think it would make the ladder more interesting towards the backend of the tournament. Think I saw free hits whether you bowl a wide, which I’m obviously not that eager on because we get that fallacious on occasion so don’t think we must be punished that harsh. It is a good conversation to have to make the BBL the most productive product we will, so I will be eager to see what they may be able to get a hold of as long as it is not something that’s just punishing the bowlers.”
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The T20 format is the precedence for Richardson at this stage of his career, despite the fact that he’s also a part of Australia’s ODI set-up and is still eager to play first-class cricket whenever conceivable for South Australia having made just two outings in the final two seasons. He is likely one of the players who would likely overlook a chunk of the Australian domestic season whether the T20 World Cup used to be postponed because of Covid-19 and replaced by the IPL later this year.
“From my point of view, what is going to be the most productive competition to play in? It is going to be the IPL at the back of the World Cup,” he said. “Whether it clashes with the start of the domestic summer then that’s up for debate and above us players on what decision will be made. I’ve read numerous observation around numerous past players saying that possibly it’s better whether we stay back here and play in Australia. So there’s probably no fallacious answer so long as we’re playing cricket, everyone is eager on doing that presently.”
If this year’s T20 World Cup takes place as deliberate or not, Richardson has made himself a steady a part of Australia’s side having played nine matches in a row against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa as the team notched seven wins and just one defeat in those series.
“You are feeling more comfortable and self-assured the more you play and the more success you’ll be able to have but I’m probably at an age now where I understand my game and understand my body. When I used to be in my early 20s, I used to be trying to bowl a 145kph and not wish to bowl a slower ball because I thought that used to be a weaker option. You wish to have to be the firebrand who swings them around and bowls in point of fact fast.
“But I think I’ve learnt in the final couple of years that there is a role in most T20 teams where you’ll be able to be adaptable with regards to your variations, what is going to be successful on any sure day, on any sure surface. It’s just something I’ve got better at and I’ve learnt a few different slower balls from a few different guys over time. But still got numerous improvement in myself and optimistically I will be able to retain getting better.”