Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

Aidan11 wrote:I heard on SSN this morning (I was half asleep so don't know if this is definite) that there is talk of CC Div 2 matches doing away with the pre-match toss and just letting the away side have the choice of batting or bowling.


The idea being to prepare better pitches.

It's true that the ECB are considering it. I think it's a terrible idea. No team would ever prepare a result/green pitch if they know they are batting first on it. Inevitable that pitches will get flatter.

With Durham - especially at home - I often think that losing the toss is an advantage because it's usually not obvious what to do although that's probably because the batting is a bit fragile!

captaincolly wrote:With Durham - especially at home - I often think that losing the toss is an advantage because it's usually not obvious what to do although that's probably because the batting is a bit fragile!

Very true.

Aidan11 wrote:I heard on SSN this morning (I was half asleep so don't know if this is definite) that there is talk of CC Div 2 matches doing away with the pre-match toss and just letting the away side have the choice of batting or bowling.


The idea being to prepare better pitches.

It'll be interesting to hear the likes of Athers or Nassers take on this. Would imagine Athers will have a column in the Times about it but nothing as yet. I subscribe to the digital edition so I'll post on here if and when it appears.

I'm a traditionalist and would hate to see the toss discarded in this way.


I know Botham and Warne are in favour of this for test matches. It won't work.

Aidan11 wrote:I'm a traditionalist and would hate to see the toss discarded in this way.


I know Botham and Warne are in favour of this for test matches. It won't work.

I agree with you.

It's a recommendation by the ECB's cricket committee to be considered by their executive committee meeting tomorrow. To be trialled in 2016 in Division 2.

Great news about getting rid of the toss in div two. A particular bugbear of mine I've been banging on about for years.

I think the away side having the choice is a decent alternative to counteract the home side preparing a favorable pitch.

I really hope they re-consider, i love the toss, and means both sides have to work hard especially if they lose the toss, think it's a crazy decision to do away with the toss..

Can't say i'm against scrapping the toss, it makes pitch preparation and team selection that bit more interesting. Maybe we'll see an increase in spinning wickets on the back of this.

I'm sorry, but in this day and age, in a game that is massively influenced by the decision to bat first or second, an alternative to the toss should be looked at.

I personally think a bowl off before the game would be a better option, but I'm happy that they are at least considering an alternative to a ridiculous tradition that means luck not skill can often decide who wins a game.

budgetmeansbudget wrote:Great news about getting rid of the toss in div two. A particular bugbear of mine I've been banging on about for years.

I think the away side having the choice is a decent alternative to counteract the home side preparing a favorable pitch.

Alviro Patterson wrote:Can't say i'm against scrapping the toss, it makes pitch preparation and team selection that bit more interesting. Maybe we'll see an increase in spinning wickets on the back of this.

Team selection would have to be deferred until the away team state whether they are batting or bowling otherwise the away team have an unfair advantage.

Alviro Patterson wrote:Can't say i'm against scrapping the toss, it makes pitch preparation and team selection that bit more interesting. Maybe we'll see an increase in spinning wickets on the back of this.

Possibly the only bowl first decisions will be conditions based, there certainly should be more matches going later into days 3/4.

westoelad wrote:

Alviro Patterson wrote:Can't say i'm against scrapping the toss, it makes pitch preparation and team selection that bit more interesting. Maybe we'll see an increase in spinning wickets on the back of this.

Team selection would have to be deferred until the away team state whether they are batting or bowling otherwise the away team have an unfair advantage.

Naturally, but prior to that the captains and coaches will be doing their homework on their opponents as the season progresses.