A look at the new batting powerplay and the benefits it gives to the cricket world.

The Twenty20 format of “rock n roll” cricket has revolutionized the game. Entertainment. Entertainment. Entertainment. We want to be sitting on the edge of our seats, biting away at our non existent finger nails and then -BANG! fireworks. We’ve come to expect every pulsating encounter the new game can throw at us. This has to be a good thing. Concurrently however, Twenty20, with the advent of the IPL, has seen astronomical- almost silly- amounts of money flow into the game. see below . . .

IPL inaugural auction

Previously it was down to the 50 over form of the game to provide the entertainment factor for those too impatient for the longer grind of test cricket. Whilst many thought twenty20 would cause a slump in Test Cricket it appears that Test Cricket is still very much in sync with the traditional cricket fan’s heartbeat. After all, Tests are a true test of a side’s steel and resolve.

It is no surprise that the rise of Twenty20 cricket has coincided with the perceived demise of One Day Internationals. Some may argue Twenty20s give you everything that ODIs do and more. More boundaries, more fireworks and less fuss over a much shorter time period. Maybe we can kiss those stale, languid middle overs of one day cricket goodbye once and for all.

The ICC recognises some of the shortcomings of one day cricket, especially since the rise of Twenty20, and tries to keep the game interesting by having powerplays. Prior to 2005, the only fielding restriction was that only 2 fielders were allowed outside the 30 yard circle for the first 15 overs. In 2005 the bowling powerplay was introduced. The first 10 overs were subject to a limit of 2 men outside the circle similar to before. Then there are two blocks of 5 overs chosen at the bowling captain’s discression in which there are only 2 men (later 3 in 2008) allowed out in the deep.

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A golden cap might be more appealing than a baggy green one

I recently wrote about the lack of depth in quality Australian test players. The Australian test squad has turned to choosing inexperienced players not properly tested at international level. However this apparent problem does not seem to be affecting the ODI or T20 sides. A trend appears to have emerged for players to look to the shorter forms of the game for representation, rather than the traditional centrepiece of international cricket, test cricket.

The emergence of cricketers such as Australia’s new T20 ‘sensation’ David Warner is clear evidence of a trend that is affecting Australia’s cricketing landscape. The ‘Rock and Roll’ nature of the shorter forms of the game are incredibly alluring for young sportsmen, and this is certainly having an effect on the amount of players concentrating on this form of the game. It wasn’t that long ago that the first split between test and ODI players began to take place.

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Australia defeat South Africa by 52 runs as NSW rookie opener David Warner hits 2nd fastest Twenty20 half century, off 19 balls.

Last night’s game was nothing short of sensational with a hungry new look Australian team chomping at the bit to put South Africa back in their place. The pulsating encounter had 3 breathtaking episodes that had the MCG rocking.

1. David Warner 89 off 43 Balls

Records 2nd fastest twenty20 half century from 19 balls

Who is David Warner? That was the thoughts of 62,000 cricket lovers at the MCG as the NSW rookie stepped into the famous green and gold attire for the most memorable of debuts.

Warner, only the third Australian in 158 years to represent his country before making his first-class debut, stole the show with a man-of-the-match performance.

In just over an hour, Warner smashed six sixes and seven fours to register the joint fifth-highest Twenty20 international score, and the third best by an Australian.

It was the kind of inspirational innings that would have youngsters all over Australia salivating at the thought of playing cricket for their country one day.

“It is the exhuberance of youth that allows you to play that way, so it is terrific to see. I’m always astonished because I know for a fact that hitting blokes back over their heads at 140, 150km/h at the MCG is not that easy.” Mark Taylor talking to the Australian.

“Some of the sweetest hitting I have seen. It was like Gilly being back at the top of the order again.” Ponting exuded to the Nine Network.

“It can’t believe it. It’s unreal. I went out there and backed myself to do what I’ve been doing the last couple of weeks and it came off.” Warner told the Nine Network.

2. Shaun Tait Bowls like a Freight Train

Tait’s opening over:

1. 152km/h (95mph) Bouncer directed at Kallis’ temples, he fends and an appeal for caught behind
2. 155km/h (97mph)
3. 155km/h (97mph)  Wicket of De Villiers (see vid)
4. 152km/h (95mph)
5. 156km/h (98mph)
6. 153km/h (96mph)

Ball 3 – Most Painful and Embarrassing Dismissal for AB  De Villiers as he hits his own Wicket

The shuddering of De Villier’s hip bone reverberating around the MCG sent a shiver down the spine of even the least squeamish of supporters. One of the longest and painful walks back to the pavilion you could possible have.

3. Duminy hits Tait over the Keeper for 6

The composure and innovation to flick a ball travelling at 150kph over the keeper’s head is nothing short of phenomenal. JP Duminy continues his test form and shows that he is an exquisite strokemaker in all forms of the game. His blistering innings of 78 from 48 balls was merely a sideshow as South Africa fell well short of their target of 183.

A phenomenal game from start to finish.

Like to see big hitting?

Yuvraj Singh holds the record for fastest with 12 balls versus England in the Twenty20 world cup in Durban 2007. You might remember it was the game where Yuvraj smashed Stuart Broad for 6 sixes in an over.