New rules will hurt bowlers: Aaqib Javed

Tags: Pakistan, Aaqib Javed, assistant coach, Two-innings 40-over

Published on: Jul 14, 2011

Pakistan assistant coach Aaqib Javed feels that the revised rules of restricting the elective Powerplays between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings as well as use of two new balls -- one from each end, could frustrate and hurt bowlers in international cricket.

Pakistan assistant coach AaqibJaved feels that the revised rules of restricting the elective Powerplays between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings as well as use of two new balls -- one from each end, could frustrate and hurt bowlers in international cricket.

Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib said that the rules will eventually force the fast bowlers to shift their focus from reverse swing to traditional swing with the new ball.

"Bowlers will now have to focus on conventional swing," Aaqib told reporters during the fast track camp for fast bowlers at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

"I think the overall advantage goes to the new-ball bowlers. However, in terms of reverse swing some pitches can alter the condition of the ball so as to aid bowlers at the death. That's when they can take advantage and produce some reverse swing," he added.

The ICC with the aim of enhancing the 50-over format, has recommended restriction of the elective Powerplays and use of two new balls. This rule will come into effect from October 1.

Pakistani bowlers have for long been known as the best exponents of reverse swing but in the process have also had to face accusations of cheating and using unethical methods to rough up one side of the ball to obtain maximum reverse swing.

Some Pakistani bowlers including ShoaibAkhtar, WaqarYounis, AzharMahmood, ShahidMahboob and even Mohammad Asif have been cited for ball-tampering offences to gain reverse swing in international matches.

Aaqib, meanwhile, was optimistic about the outcome of the fast track camp, noting that it had helped the pace bowlers realise their defects and strengths.

"There are various bowlers in our domestic circuit, who are taking wickets regularly. However, we have closely examined the potential in each of them. We are keeping an eye on their attitude, fitness, discipline and their approach.

"Through this method, we have realised that some of them are not fit to play international cricket," he said.

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