Sydney Thunder captain Callum Ferguson sees merit in the BBL’s tactical timeouts but is less keen on donning the top scorer’s golden cap.
The Big Bash League’s two major innovations have received a mixed review from Sydney Thunder captain Callum Ferguson.
Tuesday’s season opener at the Gabba between the Thunder and Brisbane Heat was the first time the competition’s new tactical timeouts came into play.
Both teams used their timeouts at the first opportunity after seven overs in their batting innings.
Many on social media derided the 90-second breaks, during which a player and coach can come on to the field to discuss strategy, as nothing more than an opportunity for host broadcaster Channel Seven to have an extra ad break during play.
Ferguson though believes they can be a valuable tool to regain control in a match, something his team did after losing three wickets early in their innings before recovering to post a defendable 6-172 off their 20 overs.
“We feel like it can be a real momentum shifter,” the veteran batsman said.
“If things aren’t quite going how you’d like it, call it. If things are going really well, let’s just leave it for a bit.
“Certainly I feel like it’s something we can use to our advantage if used smart.”
Ferguson’s unbeaten 73 off 44 balls in the Thunder’s innings meant he also got the honour of being the first player to wear the golden cap as the competition’s leading run-scorer when his team took to the field later in the evening.
This year the players with the most runs and the most wickets in the tournament will wear the golden caps, a concept modelled after the leader’s yellow jersey in the Tour de France.
With none of the Heat batsmen bettering his tally and the Thunder set to face the Melbourne Renegades on Thursday in Geelong, Ferguson admits he’s probably got an early edge to retain the cap for a while.
Though that’s a scenario he would rather not see eventuate.
“It’s not the prettiest hat,” he said.
“Certainly not my colour but it might suit someone else.
“The sooner it comes off my head, the better I reckon. It doesn’t look great.”
Paul
Roar Rookie
No question its a product, it’s for entertainment and it’s for money, but I’ve always liked the family atmosphere at Renegades home games. My son was invited through his junior cricket club to be in the hat presentation at the Renegades v Stars game in January. He’s bursting with excitement, it will be his first cricket game so it’s a bit of a thrill for me too! With an ounce of luck there could be 40,000 people at that game. I’ve always enjoyed all forms of cricket but for me the 50 over game has become a little too calculated and strategised, and losing a bit of the drama. I like T20 cricket because it takes me back to a time when cricket was about crashing boundaries, massive sixes, Dean Jones running four on the throw or Steve Waugh narrowly missing Merv Hughes and taking a one-hander behind the side screen! To each their own, but hey it’s cricket season. A happy, safe festive season to all, regardless of what you call it.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
It's all about revenue. 26700 at the Gabba last night. Compare that with Sheffield Shield crowds with free admittance & running at a loss.
AREH
Roar Guru
It's often the most realistic approach, same as the drag of BBL 08 - if it's a bother, just don't watch
AREH
Roar Guru
Unfortunately the bat flip, stat-leading caps, time-outs, dominant advertising, bright lights and overt sounds are unnecessary ingredients which probably aren't going anywhere. This tournament, after all, is a product at heart, nothing more, despite some of the unbelievable skills regularly seen. Was fortunate enough to hear Brian Lara speak recently, who put things most succinctly by describing T20 cricket as an exhibition and test cricket as an examination.
Wayne Kerr
Guest
Call me a cynic, are timeouts really needed? Next we will allow the players to be hooked up with an ear piece and microphone to communicate with the coach during a game, like quarterback in the NFL. Players should boycott the stupid yellow hat, jersey thing rip off from Tour de France. It wouldn't surprise me that its sold as replica merchandise. No problem with the bat toss, its been specially designed for 50/50 outcome.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I will certainly be going to a Heat game in person once ABDV shows up. Won't bother at the moment, but come January I'm there.
Zoran
Guest
Fair call, I used to watch a bit of it when Hussey was going around Might catch a bit ABDV this season There are some players I'd watch no matter the format of the game
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I find focusing on the parts I like and ignoring the parts I don't helps immeasurably. The powers that be are gonna run it however they like regardless.
Zoran
Guest
I appreciate how far reverse sweeps have come
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Just don't watch it then. I don't take a keen interest in the league but I can certainly appreciate the skill on display Not sure what some of you gronks expect from a 20/20 format specifically designed as an entertainment product
Zoran
Guest
The ideal sport for six year olds and grown men onto their fourth can of VB/XXXX/Tooheys
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
You forgot "bat flips". And the use of the term "batters" in all forms of the game. I suppose traditionalists will still have their Test cricket while the BBL will continue to attract "fans" with the attention span of a flea.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Time outs...golden caps...ho ho, so lame.
Zoran
Guest
Could the BBL be any more of a joke? Are there grown adults that take a keen interest in the league?