Dale Steyn: Two new balls in ODIs, toss in Tests must go

Dale Steyn

South African speedster Dale Steyn yesterday slammed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) two new-ball rule, saying it literally takes the bowlers completely out of equation. He also felt that the ICC must adopt the rule followed by English counties when it comes to the toss - it should take place only if the visiting team does not opt to bowl first.

"Pitches in ODIs are too flat. You're taking the bowlers completely out of equation. The two new-ball rule is just ridiculous in my opinion. The ball's only 25 overs old, not 50. You're also taking the skill out of the game. I grew up watching Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis reverse swing the ball and you try naming even one player in the world today who can reverse swing the ball now. Players are now going to the extent of taking sandpaper on the field," said Steyn, a veteran of 116 ODIs.

On the toss issue, Steyn said there's no place for tradition in cricket any more. "Traditional cricket has gone out of the window. T20s have changed the game. If someone is saying that the toss is a traditional thing, they're blind because the game has changed so much, and they need to keep up with the times. England are doing well with the toss gone in county cricket. The visiting team gets to decide whether they want to bowl first but if they want to bat first, then there is a toss. I think that's the way for international cricket," he said.

Also read: South African pacer Dale Steyn to quit ODI cricket after 2019 World Cup

Catch up on all the latest T20 news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates