Hobart Hurricanes recruit Peter Handscomb has some trepidation towards the new rules introduced for this year’s Big Bash League.
Speaking on SEN Mornings on Monday, Handscomb, who moved to the Hurricanes for BBL|10 after eight seasons with the Melbourne Stars, says he hopes the new rules don’t confuse the younger generation of cricket fans.
“They’re a bit interesting,” Handscomb admitted.
“I’m a bit of a purist at heart. I think we’ve got a pretty bloody good game as it is and if it keeps changing the rules, well it could be interesting.
“It could make the game exciting, but I just hope it doesn’t confuse all those kids we’re trying to entertain and get into watching and ultimately playing cricket.
Three new rules have been introduced to the BBL this season:
The ‘Power Surge’ - a two over period where the fielding team must have only two fielders outside the inner circle, to be called for by the batting team beyond the 11th over.
The ‘X-factor player’ – named as the 12th or 13th player who can be introduced after the 10th over of the first inning to replace a player yet to bat, or who has bowled only one over, and
The ‘Bash Boost’ – a bonus point to be awarded halfway through the second inning to the batting side if the team is above the 10-over score of the team who batted first, or to the fielding team if the batting score is below that of the team who batted first.
While skeptical, Handscomb is keen to see how the season unfolds.
“Cricket’s getting more and more exciting with blokes taking the game on. I’m really excited to see this season's Big Bash and what happens,” Handscomb said.
The 10th season of the Big Bash will begin on Thursday night when Handscomb’s Hurricanes play the reigning champion Sydney Sixers in Hobart.