Why the ICC’s New Two-Ball Rule in ODIs Could Be a Game-Changer

To be honest, ODIs have turned into a batting fest, where we watch scores chase after 350, hardly any reverse swing, and bowlers looking as if they have just jumped out of a washing machine. After 2011, quite a bit was done by the ICC via the two-windiest rule, which allowed some of this; however, this is about to change.

What Was the Old Rule—and Why Was It Flawed?

In 2011, the ICC brought in a rule in ODIs that provided for two new balls; one from each end, and this means that both ends are from the bowler’s perspective. They would both be used for 25 overs each, and as a result, the reasoning was simple; a new ball is more likely to be faster, outfielders and better against the bounce, and hopefully a better product for the television viewers. The downside of this rule was that we were going to lose reverse swing.

Prior to 2011, ODI cricket was played exclusively with one ball, and the length of the match changed if the ball was entirely ruined. The ball was aged, roughened, smelled like cheese, and reverse swing was possible in the last overs of the game – the key overs. This left pace bowlers in ODI cricket with an aged ball that had been given time to develop into a weapon on the pitch when it took on a flat shape.

But the two new balls meant they never aged enough. Both maintained their hard, shiny appearance for too long. Seamers lost their swing in the dying overs, and spinners had little to grip. And batters? They hit runs galore.

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What’s Changing Now—and How It Works

Here comes the 2024 update: The ICC has decided to increase the life of the two new balls. Instead of using them for 25 overs each, they will now be used until just after the 34th over, i.e., using one ball in overs 1–17 and the second in overs 18–34.

After the 34th over, the bowling team will be able to choose which of the two balls they want to continue with.

This might be a minor change, but a huge tactical change.

Now, the skippers have to decide which ball is degrading better. Which ball is gripping or swinging more? The ball they decide to bowl with could affect their death bowling. We could even see reverse swing being used in the final overs again—something both fans and bowlers have missed over the last decade.

Why This Could Change the Game

For fast bowlers, there is now another opportunity in the game. With the increased chance of a ball becoming old – now up to 34 overs’ use – so the chances of the ball finding reverse swing or uneven bounce will become greater. The death overs may become more challenging for batters – assuming, of course, the captain bolts the wicket ball.

For spinners, an older ball equals more grip, drift, and variation, making batting in the middle and death overs more challenging for batsmen.

From a tactical perspective, captains will have to better read the conditions. One ball might have more scuff and might reverse, while the other is staying shinier; it will become a ‘chess match’ in the last 16 overs.

What about the batting team? They, too, will need to take the lead and reassess. Scoring power at the death may not be so easy any longer, and teams will have to rethink their final few overs in their innings.

Will this change finally help the bowler and his perceived disadvantages? Or, will the batters find a way to once again dictate the game?

Either way, ODI cricket just got a lot more interesting! Let the games begin!!