Strict rules on bouncers

Press, 22 September 1984, Page 21

Strict rules on bouncers

NZPA-Reuter New Delhi Australia’s fast bowlers can expect no mercy from umpires if they rain bouncers, or even simple shortpitched deliveries; down on batsmen during their Indian tour starting next week. Playing conditions announced by the Indian Cricket Board for five oneday internationals give umpires unlimited discretion to judge what is a shortpitched ball. “Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to the law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket or over the batsman’s head,” the

conditions state.

“A short-pitched delivery designed to deny the batsmen the chance to score should be interpreted as a wide. Short-pitched deliveries used excessively should be seen by umpires as intent to deprive the batting side of scoring opportunities,” they add.

Strict interpretation of the law on short-pitched deliveries is likely to act most against Australia whose opening attack of Rodney Hogg, Geoff Lawson and Carl Rackemann is faster than India’s mainly medium-pace attack.