STICKY FOR ’WICKETS’ THE HUNDRED’S SHOCK PLAN TO REPLACE TERM WITH OUTS

Buttler: New format can grab fans like T20.. and with new terminology

ENGLISH cricket is ready to ditch the traditional term of ‘wickets’ in favour of ‘outs’ to make The Hundred easier for new fans to understand.

Runs, balls and outs are set to be the key terms with the figures counting up when the first team bats – and counting down when the second team chases.

So instead of 150 runs for five wickets from 12 overs, the new teams could be 150 runs with five outs from 60 balls, with scoreboards reflecting more simplified details.

The move will clearly ruffle the feathers of those who are sticklers for classic terminology and language.

But ECB decisionmakers and broadcasters say it will break down barriers for those trying the game for the first time.

A spokesperson for The Hundred said: “The Hundred is designed to make cricket accessible to everyone and research shows that the language of the game can sometimes be a barrier.”

England star Jos Buttler believes it is only a matter of time before the new format takes off around the world and believes it could be as popular as T20.

He said: “When T20 was brought in, in 2003, people thought it wouldnt catch on.

“Look at what that has turned in to now, arguably the biggest format and the fastest-growing by far. I see no reason why The Hundred couldn’t do that.”

Jofra Archer is hoping to be one of the stars of the Hundred when England’s best cricketers will be available for three games, as long as his elbow injury allows. He is expected to be given the all-clear to start bowling again this week after recovering from a hand injury.