Cricket To The Max

Cricket in the next century will have to keep pace with the technology evolution. This there is no doubt. I am also convinced the new millennium will see the growth of Third Generation cricket therefore completing the full set of cricket time frames to be enjoyed.

The amazing versatility of cricket is demonstrated fully with its ability to entertain over all sorts of time frames. Society has become more and more comfortable with events that are accessible and can be managed into busy timetables.

Recently the experiment of testing cricket under the ideal TV time slot of 3 hours has been completed. Cricket Max, a new innovation tested in New Zealand, has now completed 100 official matches played by first class teams. It first started in 1996, merged with Super 8's from the ACB in 1998, received endorsement from the ICC in 1999, and now is waiting for ICC initiatives to provide the path for Third Generation cricket through the next stage.

Super Max Cricket is an example of the break from tradition that cricket will need if it is to survive the time and action demands of future sports lovers. This is exactly the evolution the game took when the one-day game came to the fore in the 60's and 70's.

The ACB and NZC have promoted Super Max Cricket in two options:

1. Super Max (League and International) is an 11-a-side, 2 innings of 10 over match lasting 3 hours. This form is proven in a weekly league or international series format.

2. Super Max 8's is an 8-a-side, 1 innings of 10 overs lasting 90 minutes. This form is ideal for a short tournament format.

The concept of the two innings 11 a side option has been a feature of NZ Cricket at the start of every summer over the last 4 years. The 6 major provinces have competed intensely during this time to produce 4 different champions and 45 matches that weren't decided until the last over. 45 per cent! That means the product is holding the interest of the viewer and spectator for the entire duration of the match.

There are two main reasons for the close finish statistic. Firstly, by having 2 innings each no team can get too far away from their opponent before the innings changes around. A first innings battle sets up the final flurry of the outright winner just like a mini test match.

The second reason has been the introduction of the radical looking Max Zone, situated behind the bowler at each end of the ground. Every time a batsman hits the ball 60 metres straight down the ground into, over or through the Max Zone, the score for that ball is doubled. So with the urgent need of an amazing comeback the faltering team can attack the Max Zone and compete again. All this because the best and safest shot is employed, the straight hit. Hitting a 12 isn't just referred to anymore, it happens!

The strategies devised by captains and bowlers to counter the Max Zone have become one of the more intriguing aspects of watching a Max game unfold. The game is fast and frenetic and full of mystery.

There is no doubt as to the style of the event. It's all out aggression. It can look ugly at times, but that's only because the intensity and the pressure builds so fast.

In a nut shell, it's like taking the first 10 overs of a one dayer with the field up, and the last 10 overs with wickets in hand, and going for it... to the Max!

Surely, as time becomes more precious and pure entertainment becomes the demand, will third generation cricket become the norm for 10-year-olds upwards. Better to play Max, I say, than to see our youth distracted elsewhere, drift off and play no cricket at all.