Cricket: New role for the 12 th man

Cricket South Africa has designed a new format to rekindle interest in the domestic ODI tournament.

What they have done is to permit teams to have 12 players in effect they have made the 12 th man a full member. They hope that this innovation will provide tactical flexibility to make the 50 pver format more dynamic.

The change to the 12th man's role allows for an extra batting or bowling option and also gives rise to the opportunity to remove a cumbersome fielder from play, as is the case in rugby or soccer. The new rules also do away with extending the hours of play for matches affected by rain, but instead reduces the number of overs accordingly, which should make for more exciting viewing.

The question before us is will these changes revive spectator interest and if so can it be replicated in International one day matches.