In gully cricket, when there were no coins to flip, even a paper toss held weightage. Now one of the most exciting leagues in the world Big Bash League (BBL), is set to introduce a ‘bat flip’ instead of the regular coin toss in the upcoming season starting December 19.
In case you are confused, here’s how bat flip would work: The traditional ‘heads’ and ‘tails’ will be replaced by ‘hills’ or flats’ at the toss. ‘Hills’ is when bat lands on the flat side, with the triangular shape on top.
The bat flip practice is not of recent time. It has been a local tradition in Australian backyard cricket. But, the problem with this kind of toss is that the bat is more likely to land on it’s flat side.
Former Australian cricketer Brad Hodge tried the bat flip to test it’s fairness:
Cricket Australia’s (CA) head of BBL, Kim McConnie cleared the air over questions whether it will be fair practice or not. Many fear that the captain calling will be at an advantage as he will chose hills most of the time. But the bat used for the toss will not be a regular bat. McConnie explained:
“You’d be surprised at the science that’s gone into this. It is a specially weighted bat to make sure that it is 50-50. I’ve got it from great authority at our Kookaburra friends that this is a tested and weighted bat to deliver that equity.”
McConnie also explained the reason behind introducing the bat flip, he said:
“Some people don’t like change but I’d also challenge people to say when was the last time anyone watched the coin toss or really focused on it to a great extent? Now we are making it much more relevant to families, we are creating a moment which is much more fitting with kids.”
Brisbane Heat skipper Chris Lynn will be the first one to try the new kind of toss. Adelaide Strikers’ skipper Travis Head will be calling ‘hills’ or ‘flats’ for the first time on December 19 at the Gabba. The decision has already created a buzz on social media. It will be fun to watch if the innovation makes it way to international cricket.
BBL is known for giving the cricketing world zing bails. The bails which light up as soon as they leave top of the stumps which are commonly used worldwide.
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