Cricket legend Justin Langer has called for a radical end to draws in Test matches, saying a points system like that used in boxing could be put in place to decide a winner.
Langer has been thinking about the issue for about a year, with last week’s tame draw between Australia and New Zealand at the WACA Ground a perfect example of a match fizzling out.
The former Australian Test opener wants draws to be abolished in all forms of cricket, including Sheffield Shield matches.
While Langer isn’t sure of the exact system that should be put in place, he says boxing is an example of a sport where a winner can be decided even without a knockout blow.
“It’s like you have a split decision in a boxing fight,” Langer said.
“You get through your 10 rounds, and someone’s still the winner at the end of it.
“There’ll be some controversy about that. But there’s been plenty of boxing controversies over the years as well.
“They get it right most of the time.
“A lot of people who don’t watch the game go, ‘How do you play for five days and not get a result?’
“They just don’t get it. Usually, sport is about winning or losing – it’s not about drawing.
“If we take the draws out, and play a bit of day-night cricket, it’s all good for the game.”
Langer supports Test cricket’s foray into day-night matches, but he acknowledges there might be some early teething problems with the pink ball.
He said it was crucial for curators to leave extra grass on the wicket to protect the pink ball, which can get easily damaged on harder surfaces.
“When my dog gets hold of a tennis ball, he rips it to shreds,” Langer said.
“That’s what the pink ball looked like … after 80 overs when we played at Bellerive Oval a few weeks ago under lights.
“So they’re going to have to get that right. But I like the concept.”
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