Cricket fans will have yet another reason to cheer during the opening over of every Big Bash innings this summer, with Cricket Australia introducing a rule that will allow fans to keep a match-day ball.
CODE Sports’ Daniel Cherny revealed on Thursday afternoon that as of this weekend’s WBBL season-opener, any ball hit for four or six during the first over of an innings can be claimed by a spectator as their own.
A brand-new ball will then be used from the start of the second over, regardless of whether or not a ball is claimed by a member of the crowd. This is to ensure that both teams play with a ball of the same age for the remaining 19 overs of their innings.
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Should a team hit more than one ball over the fence in the opening over of their innings, the ball will continue to be replaced until the end of the first over. Umpires will carry replacements alongside them to keep the game moving, and minimise delays.
It comes with the return of a countdown timer for each innings, which will again sees teams required to bring an additional player inside the fielding restriction circle immediately should they not meet the required overate.
The fan-friendly initiative has been backed by Cricket Australia’s new bank sponsor Westpac in both the Women’s and Men’s competitions, with the intention of bringing supporters closer to the action.
“Westpac Keep the Ball is a celebration of our passionate fans and a chance to bring them closer to the game,” Big Bash Leagues executive general manager Alistair Dobson said in a statement.
“Player connection drives the Big Bash Leagues, and this initiative further demonstrates our commitment to delivering fan-focused innovation.”
The WBBL kicks off with a triple-header this Sunday, while the Men’s competition begins on December 14 between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers.