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Why the big contest is more important than the big six at the ICC World Cup

Why the big contest is more important than the big six at the ICC World Cup

Records continue to break at the World Cup. Within the last week we’ve seen South Africa smash a World Cup record of 408 against the West Indies, only to eclipse that effort with a 411 against Ireland. Proteas batsmen AB de Villiers also made a record fastest 150 from 64 balls against the West Indies.

Australia made a record 417 against Afghanistan during their 275-run win Tuesday (a record: highest winning margin for Australia) including Glenn Maxwell’s fastest 50 by an Australian at a World Cup (New Zealand’s McCullum has the record with 18 balls also achieved at this World Cup) and David Warner’s record-breaking 178 (133). It was the fifth highest score by an individual at the World Cup and highest score by an Aussie, also at the World Cup.

That’s a lot of batting records. 

The ICC have acknowledged making high scores has been made easier over time with favourable bat technology, fielding restrictions, short boundaries and flat lifeless pitches. It’s something they said they’ll address after the World Cup but until then, records will continue to fall at great rates.

For a game that is heading down a one-dimensional path, where batting and making 350 is the new norm, the ICC needs to seriously consider what excites fans most: is it the big hitting and sixes or a true contest?

Cricket fans admire the record feats as much as baseball fans enjoy the statistical side of the game. But you only need to look at the Australia-New Zealand match to see that scoring big is not essential for fans to have a truly great cricket experience. During that match at Eden Park, Australia was bowled out for a meek 151 and in reply New Zealand limped home by one wicket with 9/152, a game where bowlers dominated, breathed fire and became monsters on a batter-friendly pitch. These are the contests we need to see more of, one that captivates fans for every ball that is bowled. 

At this World Cup the game has followed a rather predictable path when batting: move cautiously for the first 35 overs, scoring at four or five an hour; keep wickets in hand; then try and score 200 off the final 90 balls. So, essentially, as a fan, you don't have to start paying attention until the 35th over when batsmen all of a sudden come to life.

Big scores have more connotation in big matches. Take Australia’s 417 against Afghanistan. Fans would have enjoyed Warner’s 178 and Maxwell’s 88 (39) and Smith’s 95 but it’s not the same as Australia playing South Africa and South Africa needing 418 for victory. Cricket scoring is a bit like basketball: it's continual but there are pressure points in the game where you need to switch on as a fan. Whether it’s a 300 plus total or 125, so long as the content is even, scores aren’t pivotal for cricket to be seen as attractive.