LONDON: A revolutionary two-sided bat is threatening to change the face of English cricket to the horror of traditionalists at Lord’s.
An English company has begun to market the double-faced blade claiming the new model will last twice as long as its familiar rivals and become an established feature of the first-class game
It is the most controversial innovation since Australian Dennis Lillee pioneered an aluminum bat against England in the 1979-80 seasons and Marylebone Cricket Club responsible for the game’s rules are not happy.
“It does not break the laws but it does attack the spirit of the law and the game itself” said Lt-Colonel John Stephenson secretary of MCC.
“I’m sure we will see players turning up for the first-class matches with this bat this year It’s a shame but it looks as if we are going to have to tighten up the laws to stop this sort of thing happening.”
In contrast former Somerset batsman Julian Wyatt now the county’s assistant coach said he thought the bat had a promising future
“I think it’s a great idea” he said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to let our county side use it during matches.”
Article extracted from this publication >> April 5, 1991
