Radical changes in Aussie junior cricket

The most significant modification to junior cricket ever seen in Australia will take place next summer following a successful nationwide pilot programme where children played on shorter pitches and in smaller teams.

Cricket Australia has announced that modified junior formats will be rolled out over the next three years, radically altering the way the sport is played for children younger than 14 in a bid to increase participation and raise skill level.

In the pilot programme, the reduced pitch length decreased the number of wides and no balls delivered by the children; 53 per cent more balls bowled were in play, 13 per cent more balls were being hit, and dot balls decreased by 24 per cent.

Boundaries were also made shorter and each participant had a chance to bat and bowl in every game, while match length will be trimmed to two hours for under10/11s, and three hours for under12/13s. At under-10/11s level each team will have seven players. That increases to nine for the next two age groups before fleshing out to the standard 11 at under-14s.

CA senior manager, team performance and former Australian captain Belinda Clark, who oversaw the pilot, said the changes increased each player’s involvement during a match.

‘‘There were things like lots of wides being bowled, the game was long, kids had lots of sporting options, all those things that have changed in society where a timepoor mum and dad are busy,’’ Clark said.

‘‘One of the key things is kids improve when they get the opportunity to repeat things over and over and over again. They’ve got a chance if they’re doing it a lot more.

‘‘Children will no longer have to struggle with playing in conditions suited for adults. They’ll now progress through two stages that will ensure they learn to play cricket in an environment that meets their physical, mental and emotional development.’’