Quicker pitches needed, says Worcestershire captain
WORCESTERSHIRE captain Joe Leach wants quicker pitches next season.
Leach reckons quicker pitches would go hand in hand with the option of the away team bowling first which will again be in use next season.
“I like the principals behind the change,” Leach said:“It made batting easier and I agree with the reasoning behind it.
“But in general we had some pitches which were devoid of any pace at times and that needs to be addressed going forward.
“If you want that rule to change so things fall in line with Test cricket, there needs to be more pace in pitches.
“I suppose it was a finding out year for groundsmen, captains, bowlers and batters. I am in favour of it because the reasons for it are right. But for me, whichever way we can produce good cricket wickets where good cricketers do well, is better than having contrived results and contrived figures because of what wickets people are producing.
“Let’s produce the best wickets we can and good cricketers will rise to the top and the good teams will rise to the top as well.”
TCP VERDICT
Leach is correct in saying that 2016 was a ‘finding out year’ and we should see more results in 2017.Whether that will be down to more competitive pitches or captains having got used to the system, only time will tell. But when seam bowlers who deliver the ball at no more than 80mph are regularly taking wickets, there still needs to be change.There are plenty of ways to go about it.