Cricket: Rule change could keep Cairns in the game

Dipak Patel believes if the proposal to introduce a substitute into one-day cricket is ratified, it could extend the career of Chris Cairns even further.

The former Black Caps allrounder believes the one-day game needs a revamp and the hard-hitting Cairns could benefit from it.

Under the proposed change a substitute could be introduced into the match at any stage. If New Zealand was in the field first - which it invariably chooses to do - Cairns could be introduced late in the first innings to bowl at the death and then as a designated hitter. He'd be exempt from a back-breaking, knee-grinding 40 overs in the field.

Cairns has indicated he wants to play through until the 2007 World Cup but Patel thinks that he could go on for longer.

"His career could be prolonged now [because] most teams will carry a batsman as a 12th man.

"You could use him with his ability to bat and bowl."

Patel said more focus will be placed on the role of captain and coach to formulate effective systems.

"The coach's role suddenly becomes even more crucial now, with his ability to make good decisions off the park and relay them to the captain."

While Patel agrees the game needed a shot in the arm, he's convinced it is too weighted in the batsman's favour. "I wouldn't want to be a bowler again," Patel said.

"The game is designed in the favour of the batsmen and again with the changes they've made they've once more glorified runs being scored."

Instead of 15 overs under fielding restrictions, there'll be 20 overs, with only two men allowed in the outfield.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY