Quote:Flatter pitches, fatter bats, shorter boundaries, fielding restrictions, free hits and Powerplays have all resulted in higher batting averages and faster scoring rates. Not that long ago, anything over four runs per over would have been considered expensive in a 50-over game. But on commentary during the last World Cup, Michael Holding said he would be happy conceding six runs per over if he were playing currently. Two hundred and fifty used to be a highly competitive one-day total; nowadays totals approaching 400 are not uncommon.

While batsmen have been feted and fattened, bowlers have been left to fend for themselves and to rely on their own resourcefulness.

Reverse and contrast swing, once viewed with suspicion, are now vital weapons for bowlers capable of harnessing them. Mystery spin, featuring the doosra, was another attempt at making the playing field more even. Unfortunately the doosra has recently fallen on hard times following the crackdown on illegal bowling actions. It has now got to the point where it is difficult to name even a single international bowler still trading in the delivery.

Here is another suggestion for them to consider: how about taking a look at the mysterious pitch in baseball known as the knuckleball?