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Twenty20 cricket is more than just entertainment

The Big Bash League is bringing the younger generations into the game (Image credit: All-Codes)
Roar Guru
26th November, 2015
29

My Sydney Thunder membership pack arrived recently, a nice reminder that the Big Bash League is about to start. While last season was a watershed season for the franchise, in that they didn’t run last, there’s still a sense that the BBL is a circus, just a bit of light entertainment.

That’s selling the format short. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Test cricket; I’ve already booked flights, accommodation and tickets for the Test at the Wellington Basin.

But there are aspects to Twenty20 that you just don’t get in Test cricket that contribute to the unbelievable popularity of the format.

What I admire about batsmen that excel at Test cricket is their patience and concentration. While a few players hit the ball around the park from the beginning of their innings, it’s a rarity. Most players choose to restrict their strokeplay early in their innings, leaving the balls they don’t want to hit to go through to the keeper.

None of that in T20. The batsmen that succeed are the ones with the skill to hit the ball all around the park with minimal time to adjust to conditions. Sure they can get out early, but that’s because the format requires them to play a wide range of shots early in their innings.

When compared to one-dayers, what’s really noticeable is that the bowling is better. Too many teams are stacked with batsmen, meaning that part-timers often bowl 20 overs a game. But bowling matters in T20s, and like the batsmen it’s a test of skill.

Right from the start of the game, bowlers need to vary their deliveries and deceive the batsmen. While aiming to hit the top of off stump is still a reasonable strategy, the format asks more from the bowler as batsmen can pillage the predictable.

Many a time I have heard how T20 will not be a good predictor of Test cricketers, and I agree that it is no test of patience and concentration. But the BBL allows our state cricketers to play against hardened internationals, where they can test their skills against some of the best.

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While this may not tell us who the best Test cricketers will be, it will sort out some of the men from the boys and give us an idea if they have the skill base to succeed.

Now, it’s true that the Big Bash League is well marketed and expertly timed in the summer holidays. Also, the free-to-air coverage has obviously generated much greater interest, and kids love it without necessarily being passionate supporters of a single team.

But honestly, 10 years ago, did anyone believe that domestic cricket in Australia could attract average crowds of more than 20,000 people? Forget the World Series revolution, people are paying to see cricketers they would not have cared for before 2005, and this wouldn’t be possible if the format itself was not worth watching.

So I’m going to appreciate the skill on offer this season, while enjoying the entertainment just like everyone else.

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