Cricket: Shorter is not always sweeter

Daniel Vettori's recent form suggests he may thrive in the 20-over version. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Supporters of a third-generation cricket game will have another opportunity to monitor the testing lab next week when New Zealand host Australia in a Twenty20 match at Eden Park.

Already a huge success in England and South Africa, the 2h 45m version of the one-day international will be introduced into Australia's domestic competition next summer, and is even being talked about as the future of the game.

For all that, New Zealand administrators know they face a slightly more complicated task in adopting the latest incarnation, given local supporters have already been exposed to the more futuristic Cricket Max, and may well be nonplussed by a more conservative variation.

Twenty20 is simply a pared down version of the 50-over game, consisting of 20 overs a side, a maximum of four overs per bowler, adjusted fielding restrictions, and a 90-second deadline for the incoming batsman.

The only genuine Max-like feature is the free hit following a no-ball, although the principal ingredient is pretty similar: more dynamic action in less time - in this case a maximum of 75 minutes per innings.

English crowds, always the last to taste any variation in the game, flocked in huge numbers to domestic Twenty20 in 2003 and 2004, and it also proved a hit when launched in South Africa - helping to revive flagging gate numbers.

There was also a strong response to Australia's Twenty20 trials this summer, with a capacity WACA crowd watching the inaugural state match between Western Australia and Victoria, and 20,000 turning out for a match between Australia A and Pakistan at Adelaide.

The first Twenty20 international of any type was played between England and New Zealand women at Hove last August, but Wednesday's shootout at Eden Park will be the first between two fully fledged ODI sides.

Although New Zealand Cricket has opted for caution, some have quickly embraced the "new" format; Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq becoming a notable convert after the match against Australia last month.

In fact, Inzy didn't just endorse the abbreviated version, he would have sent elderly supporters scurrying for their angina pills after declaring that Twenty20 would, in four or five years, become more popular than 50-over contests or tests.

About a week later, Channel 9 boss Kerry Packer rang Shane Warne to canvass his opinion on the new format.

The issue is a relevant one for Channel 9 executives who, over the past few years, have been faced with marketing an annual ODI tri-series that has proved one-sided and predictable.

The theory is that Twenty20 might provide the answer.

However, while the shrunken version has its supporters, it also has its detractors, among them West Indian fast bowling great Michael Holding, who has slammed the format and the reasons behind its introduction.

"It saddens me to hear people say that it's a real contest between bat and ball," he told the BBC. "How can simple slogging be good cricket?"

Although he was prepared to give administrators some slack on the domestic front, he believed Twenty20 had no place in the international arena, and would be a poor example for young enthusiasts.

"There is nothing good about Twenty20 cricket," he said.

Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist - one of the most destructive ODI batsmen in the world - was another to express reservations about Twenty20 being played at international level, as was his understudy, Brad Haddin.

But possibly the most damning analysis came from Queensland skipper Jimmy Maher, who refuses to treat the game seriously.

"I'm a big fan of Twenty20 as long as it doesn't interfere with domestic cricket," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The game is a great innovation and an excellent way to encourage kids to play in a shorter format. In saying that, hopefully they'll see it as a stepping stone to playing real cricket - we can't let the message slip that it's not real cricket.

"Twenty20 is really hit-and-giggle, but if it encourages more kids to get into it and play real cricket, that's great."

Following the Eden Park match, the next Twenty20 international is scheduled to be played between Australia and England at Hampshire's Rosebowl in June.

Twenty20: Rules of the game

* Twenty overs per side, taking one hour and fifteen minutes per innings.
* Maximum 15-minute break between innings.
* Batters have 90 seconds to take guard.
* No drinks breaks.
* Foot fault no-balls are rewarded with a two-run penalty plus a free hit.
* Four overs per bowler.
* In the event of a tie, a bowl-off will determine a winner.
* For the first six overs a maximum of two fielders are allowed outside the circle, and there must be a minimum of two close-in standing fielders.
* From overs 7-20, a maximum of five fielders are allowed outside the circle.
* Run penalties will apply for each over not bowled in the allotted time.
* All other one-day rules apply.