JOHNSON FIRES UP AS BBL TOSSES OUT TRADITION
CRICKET: Former Test quick Mitchell Johnson has savaged the Big Bash League’s “bat toss” gimmick and Brisbane Heat players are divided over the scrapping of a cricket tradition.
The pre-match coin toss will be replaced by a backyard cricket-style bat toss for this summer’s BBL as the Twenty20 league looks to innovate.
At the request of Cricket Australia, bat manufacturer Kookaburra has engineered a bat it believes offers a 50-50 chance of landing on “hills” or “flats”.
Never afraid to voice his thoughts, Johnson questioned whether more focus should be placed on resurrecting Australia’s falling Test team than BBL gimmicks.
“I’m guessing sponsors will be plastered all over the bat,” he tweeted.
“What next, one hand one bounce, electric wickie, 6 & out, unless hit out of the stadium!!
“Let’s worry about game development & other important things that matter. Is the baggy green top priority these days?”
Heat captain Chris Lynn will be part of the first bat toss at Brisbane’s seasonopening game against the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba next Wednesday.
Heat all-rounder Ben Cutting said he was undecided about the toss.
“I don’t know how I feel about that. That’s disrespecting the game of backyard cricket a little bit too much,” he said.
“Do you toss it horizontal or spin it vertical? Lynny can do some practice.”
Heat batsman Matt Renshaw said he was not certain the new toss would deliver a 50-50 chance.
“I don’t feel like I can believe that, we’ll wait for the first game at the Gabba and find out,” he said.
“Hopefully it won’t be too one-sided towards the hills or valleys.
“I think Lynny should be calling hills, that’s what I’d be calling.”
– Travis Meyn