Ricky Ponting has tipped the BBL‘s new designated batter and fielder rule to entice players like Travis Head back to the competition amid the Ashes cricket hero’s continued absence. Head hasn’t played in the BBL with the Adelaide Strikers for the last three years, and is one of the only Test stars from the Ashes not lining up for their franchises now the series against England is over.
While the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja are all playing the remainder of the T20 competition, Head is taking a well-earned break. The star batter flagged concerns with Australia’s jam-packed schedule over the next 24 months when he revealed he won’t play in the BBL this summer.
Travis Head hasn’t joined the majority of his Ashes teammates in playing for their BBL clubs. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
But speaking on Thursday night, Ponting said he believes a rule change set to come in next season could entice players like Head back. Starting next summer, the BBL will have a ‘designated batter’ rule where teams can nominate one player who only bats, before someone else takes over during the fielding innings.
Players like Chris Lynn and Mitch Marsh will benefit from not having to field, instead putting all their focus into their batting. But Ponting also pointed out that someone like Head might be more willing to play if he doesn’t have to spend time in the field on weary legs.
Travis Head last played in the BBL with the Adelaide Strikers in 2023. (Photo by Jonathan Di Maggio – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
(Cricket Australia via Getty Imag)
“To me it seems to be introduced for a couple of reasons – to try and keep some of our ageing stars in the tournament a little bit longer, someone like a Chris Lynn and Mitch Marsh,” Ponting said on Channel 7. “And to be able to bring some of youngsters in the group and get them involved in the field.
“The other way I think it could be used is for someone like Travis Head – a returning international player who has had a big summer already, I’m sure if you asked Heady now if you would like to turn up and bat only, and not worry about fielding to pick up an injury. That might appeal to him.”
Ricky Ponting sees merits of BBL designated batter rule
Ponting admitted he’d almost be “embarrassed” if he was the designated hitter and didn’t have to field, but conceded it could be good for the game on the whole. “Some of these guys might be at a stage of their career where they feel they can’t make much of an impact or they might be worried about picking up an injury in the field,” he said.
“What this tournament doesn’t want is to have these guys not playing, especially at this stage of the tournament when the big games are coming around and everyone is at home and school holidays are still on, we want to be seen the best players play. So if this rule helps that and keeps the longevity up, then that’s great.”