Batsman is dismissed

IT WAS only a matter of time and now it’s finally happened.

The batsman has been dismissed, seemingly for good.

Cricket’s lawmakers, the Marylebone Cricket Club, have changed the rules of the game to allow the gender neutral word “batter’’ to replace “batsman.’’

Many commentators and players, paying respect to the blossoming profile of the women’s game, had started to make the change but now it is official with the rule taking effect immediately.

The MCC said it wanted to emphasise cricket’s status as “an inclusive game for all.’’

The next challenge will be Nightwatchman and 12th man.