Sheffield Shield Season 2014/15

[Jim05]

Some radical changes to the points system in Shield cricket, scrapping of first innings points is an excellant idea. Will be interesting to see how this season pans out.

http://m.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/bonus ... zrwd5.html

By CHLOE SALTAU
The aggressive style of cricket that won Australia the Ashes will be encouraged at domestic level with the reintroduction of a bonus points system for the Sheffield Shield.

National coach Darren Lehmann has welcomed the changes, which include bonus points for runs and wickets in the first 100 overs. First-innings points have been scrapped for the two-year trial.

Every run scored beyond 200 in the first 100 overs of a team's first innings will bring an extra .01 of a point, while the bowling team can score a maximum of 1.5 bonus points for taking wickets five, seven and nine (at half a point each).

There will still be six points for an outright win, but also a point for a draw.

The architect of the system, Cricket Australia's team performance chief Pat Howard, said the system was geared towards assisting the development of Test batsmen and emulating Test conditions.

"You heard [new chairman of selectors] Rod Marsh the other day, we need batsmen to step up and we're going to give them the best opportunity to do that," Howard said.

"There's 1.5 points on offer for bowlers but for batsmen it's unlimited. We have seen the likes of David Warner take games away from people, so the opportunity for people to do that in the state system still exists."

On rewarding a draw, he said: "You want to be able to fight out a draw when that is on offer, but winning matches is the most important thing."

Howard acknowledged that the system could be used strategically by captains and coaches. "Some talk about gaining points, some talk about keeping points away from opposition ... We absolutely believe the pros outweigh the cons. Every coach is adamant ... this will be a fairer contest between bat and ball and that is our major driver."

The shield had a bonus points system in the 1970s, but the Australian Cricketers' Association says the revamp isn't needed.

"The players' view from the season just gone was that the pitches were significantly better, so we didn't think there was a need to change the points system," ACA boss Paul Marsh said.

"In saying that, I don't think it's a significant issue. Will it produce any significant outcomes cricket-wise? It's difficult to say. Our players by nature are competitive beasts trying to win cricket matches and that is still going to be the focus. Our only potential concern would be if the focus shifts from winning to chasing bonus points."

However, Lehmann says the changes will lead to "more attractive and aggressive cricket", and more results.

"No first-innings points is a big one," he said. "I think that's great because you don't get first-innings points in a Test match.

"I think you will find there will be more teams setting targets, you'll see spinners come into the game on the fourth day, you'll see blokes chasing runs down. The more pressure situations you can put players in helps Australian cricket."

Last year's shift away from bowler-friendly pitches produced more runs a wicket, more centuries, more overs bowled by spinners and matches lasting deeper into the fourth day.

[whufc]

About bloody time.

I have been a massive fan of the county cricket style scoring system and am stoked we are finally going to use it here.

Great work Cricket Australia

[Aerie]

Had never even considered this style of points system, but on first glance, it seems reasonable. If they want to replicate Test Cricket, why don't they have 5 Day matches?

[Coach Bombay]

brilliant system, already pumped for the season to start

[Booney]

Had never even considered this style of points system, but on first glance, it seems reasonable. If they want to replicate Test Cricket, why don't they have 5 Day matches?

Agreed. Bowlers get match conditioned, batsman know they can build and innings, captains can employ tactics accordingly.

If anyone tells me it would cost too much......bite me.

[whufc]

Had never even considered this style of points system, but on first glance, it seems reasonable. If they want to replicate Test Cricket, why don't they have 5 Day matches?

Agreed. Bowlers get match conditioned, batsman know they can build and innings, captains can employ tactics accordingly.

If anyone tells me it would cost too much......bite me.

Agree but it could only be cost as to why they don't do this

[heater31]

Had never even considered this style of points system, but on first glance, it seems reasonable. If they want to replicate Test Cricket, why don't they have 5 Day matches?

Agreed. Bowlers get match conditioned, batsman know they can build and innings, captains can employ tactics accordingly.

If anyone tells me it would cost too much......bite me.

Agree but it could only be cost as to why they don't do this

Well for starters each team is up for at least an extra $25,000 to $30,000 for going that extra day to cover match payments and accommodation expenses if playing away. 5 away games over a season is $150,000

[mighty_tiger_79]

To cover costs they will start charging

[Trader]

each team is up for at least an extra $25,000 to $30,000 for going that extra day to cover match payments and accommodation expenses if playing away.

Seems high, how did you come up with that number?

[heater31]

each team is up for at least an extra $25,000 to $30,000 for going that extra day to cover match payments and accommodation expenses if playing away.

Seems high, how did you come up with that number?

On second thoughts $30k might be excessive but I have assumed the match payments will still be in step with the current daily rate. Players are not going to play an extra day of cricket for nothing! Then have accommodation costs and meal allowances. Travel to and from the venue. Home game could be equally increase costs when you have to pay staff to operate the venue.

So maybe $20,000 to $25,000 would be a better figure...

[bennymacca]

love the idea of the changed points system. should be great as teams will go for broke at the end of the game to try and force the outright.
will also see teams, once they have passed the first innings score, really put their foot down

hughes and head and cossie at the top of the order could be really damaging

[RustyCage]

Makes the first 4 overs of day 2 interesting, needing to attack from ball 1, a chance for some early wickets to set the team up for the day

[Phantom Gossiper]

The new format should help SA given we have some attacking batsmen and bowlers but also some bowlers who can bowl tight lines and be tough to get away.

[Phantom Gossiper]

Any ideas of when the Redbacks will begin pre-season matches?

[Footy Smart]

Any ideas of when the Redbacks will begin pre-season matches?

They have played one game and had one washed out v Queensland

In the game they played, SA won by 4 wickets (Botha 68, Lehman 62 and Cozzy 57) Botha also took 2 wickets.

[Phantom Gossiper]

They have played one game and had one washed out v Queensland

In the game they played, SA won by 4 wickets (Botha 68, Lehman 62 and Cozzy 57) Botha also took 2 wickets.

Is this an indication we may see Jake play regularly for the 'backs this season?

[bennymacca]

Hughes and ferg have been away on aus/ aus a duties, did they play?

[Footy Smart]

Hughes and ferg have been away on aus/ aus a duties, did they play?

Would say they missed but unsure of what the side was.

[Footy Smart]

They have played one game and had one washed out v Queensland

In the game they played, SA won by 4 wickets (Botha 68, Lehman 62 and Cozzy 57) Botha also took 2 wickets.

Is this an indication we may see Jake play regularly for the 'backs this season?

Nah I would say he is little down the pecking order atm particularly if Hughes plays, Top 8 could look:

Hughes
Cosgrove
Head
Ferguson
Cooper
McDonald
Botha
Ludeman

[Footy Smart]

Then play 3 quicks (if Ronnie Mac can bowl) out of

Sayers
Mennie
Putland
Richardson
Worral
Winter
Lawford
Tait