Former England Test captain Alastair Cook has proposed a game-changing idea that could significantly benefit bowlers and make it easier for teams to take 20 wickets consistently in Test matches. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket show, Cook suggested a bold revision of the current new ball rule – one that would give the bowling side far more flexibility and strategic control.
Cook’s Proposal: Take the New Ball Whenever You Want
Currently, in Test cricket, teams are allowed to take the second new ball after 80 overs. However, Cook believes this rule is outdated and should be revised. His suggestion? Give bowling sides the freedom to take the second new ball at any point during a 160-over period – but with the condition that only two new balls can be used within those 160 overs.
“A new rule I would add would be: how about, in 160 overs, you can take the new ball whenever you want?” said Cook.
“You’ve got two new balls for those 160 overs, and you can take that second ball whenever you want. You could take one after 30 overs if you wanted to.”
This rule would allow captains to make more tactical decisions based on pitch conditions, match situation, and the state of the ball, rather than being forced to wait until the 80th over. The change could especially help bowlers on flat pitches, where the traditional ball offers little assistance after a few overs.
Michael Vaughan Pushes for Injury Substitutes in Test Matches
Also joining the discussion, former England skipper Michael Vaughan backed another major shift in Test cricket regulations. He called for the use of injury substitutes, not just in cases of concussion, but for other serious injuries that occur early in a Test match.
Vaughan pointed to recent examples like Rishabh Pant during the Lord’s Test, who injured his hand and couldn’t keep wicket, and Nathan Lyon, who suffered a calf injury in the Ashes, effectively leaving Australia a player short for the rest of the match.
“We have concussion subs… so why don’t we have substitutes for serious injuries?” Vaughan questioned.
“Should Australia have had a sub that day [when Lyon got injured]? I think so.”
He emphasized the need for an independent doctor to oversee such decisions to avoid potential abuse of the rule. Vaughan suggested the rule should be restricted to serious injuries, possibly confirmed by medical scans or visible fractures, to maintain the integrity of the game.
