Big Bash League officials are hopeful a new designated batter and fielder rule, planned for next season, will help retain the competition’s biggest names and most explosive hitters by allowing them to bat without being required to field.
Adapted from baseball and discussed internally by the BBL over recent summers, the rule will permit teams to select players who can contribute with the bat only. Those players will not be allowed to bowl, although a designated fielder may act as wicketkeeper.
The change is aimed in part at extending the careers of senior batters such as Adelaide Strikers record run-scorer Chris Lynn and Perth Scorchers allrounder Mitchell Marsh, by reducing the physical load that comes with fielding.
It could also make the tournament more appealing to leading Test players, including Australia opener Travis Head, who will not feature in this season’s BBL despite his starring role in Australia’s Ashes triumph.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said the rule could benefit both elite batters and developing fielders, while ensuring high-profile players remain visible in the competition.
“Some of these guys might be at a stage of their career where they feel that they can’t make much of an impact [in the field],” Ponting said on Seven. “They also might be worried about picking up an injury while they’re in the field, which is another big part of it.
“And what this tournament doesn’t want is to have these guys not playing, especially at this stage of the tournament when the big games are coming around. We all want to be seeing the best players playing, so if this rule helps that and keeps the longevity up, then that’s great.”
If a club opts not to use a designated batter, it will name a standard playing XI.
Melbourne Stars allrounder Glenn Maxwell said the rule would add intrigue to the competition but reserved judgement until it is in practice.
“It adds something to the tournament,” Maxwell said on Seven. “It will be interesting to see how it plays out though next year.”
BBL player acquisition and cricket consultant Trent Woodhill said the rule would introduce an added layer of strategy for clubs, while also improving the league’s appeal to overseas talent.
“Feedback from players around the world to the concept has been very positive,” Woodhill said in a statement. “They know what a great experience a summer in Australia is and we anticipate this rule will help to attract even more top-tier talent next season.”
The designated batter rule will not apply to the Women’s Big Bash League at this stage, with its potential introduction to the WBBL remaining under review for future seasons.
