Cricket Australia’s radical new domestic one-day format which kicks off next week is likely to be “weird” at first, according to Queensland captain James Hopes.
In a bid to rejuvenate the dying one-day game, CA have overhauled the National One-day Cup, which starts next Wednesday when Queensland meet defending champion Tasmania.
The new format includes 45 overs per team with a split innings of 20 and 25 overs, with teams able to bat and field any 11 of the 12 players available.
There will also be 12 overs allowed a bowler, meaning the best bowlers have the opportunity to bowl more overs.
Hopes says teams will take time to work out the new rules.
“The tactics will be a bit weird to start off with,” Hopes said.
“I think some teams will just try to play it straight down the line the first few games until they get a handle on what stages you can go hard.
“But you’ve got to keep the momentum in a game that you keep stopping so that will be the challenge, with all the breaks.
“But I think it’s exciting to play a new format, especially for team games.”
New South Wales captain Stuart Clark says the idea will need to prove itself this season.
“Over the last couple of months there’s been a lot of talk about whether it’s right or not,” Clark said.
“It really doesn’t matter any more, it’s giving it a go and seeing what comes of it.
“I think everyone knows that one day cricket has been in decline for many years but Cricket Australia are taking a step forward to try and change it.
“At the end of the year it will either be a real success or maybe we’ll have to go back to the drawing board,” he said.