“What a Load of Junk!” Michael Clarke on England Having Shorter Boundaries to assist ‘Bazball’
England Cricket is making the headlines once again, but this time for the wrong reasons. In a recent report published by The Times, it was said that they are looking to deploy a tactic that will support their playing style.
In the details of that report, it was revealed that England are looking to deploy shorter boundaries in the upcoming England vs Australia ashes series 2023.
This move might favor the hosts considering that it complements their new style of play which is often referred to as “Bazball.”
England to deploy shorter boundaries in Ashes 2023
Since the former New Zealand player Brendon Macullum has taken over as head coach, the entire playing style of England has changed. They have started playing a new and aggressive brand of cricket. and fans have termed it as “Bazzball.”
So far, the move has worked for the England team. they have an average of 4.76 runs per over in test cricket, in comparison to Australia’s 3.56. Which means that if they use shorter boundaries, it will favor their playing style.
Now the reports of shorter boundaries in England has irked several cricketing pundits. One of them is Michael Clarke, the former captain of Australian Cricket team.
Michael Clarke announce his verdict
In an interview on Sky Sports Radio, Clarke displayed his displeasure with the reports of England suggesting a shorter boundary to help their cause. The former captain called the move a “load of junk.”
“Australian grounds are twice the size of England grounds anyway. That’s why there’s less sixes from the Australian players. Bat at the MCG you’ve got 90m boundaries, bat in England you’ve got 60m boundaries.
“Who cares? Both teams have got to bat.”
Ian Healey also spoke his mind out on the SENQ Breakfast on Tuesday morning. He said, “Boundaries are the least of their worries. Why would they bother?” Healy told SENQ Breakfast on Tuesday morning.
“There’s no need for that.
“Mis-hits will go for six, but that’s okay. Lots of modern-day mis-hits go for six anyway. I don’t feel that’s anything but clogging up your mind and overthinking too badly.”
Ben Stokes urges for flat tracks for Ashes
It is noticeable that England’ grounds have shorter boundaries in comparison to the ones in Australia. The shortest boundary in the opening test to be held in Edgbaston is reported to be of 60 meters only, while the biggest boundary at the MCG is of 84 meters.
It will be interesting to see if the England Cricket Board will go ahead with the move. Apart from that however, there were earlier reports of England preparing flat pitches for the series.
The England captain Ben Stokes has been quite vocal about the same. hence, the clubbing of short boundaries with flat track wickets might force Australia to play out of their skin, and inadvertently help England reclaim the Ashes.
