18 February,2011 09:05 AM IST | | Harit N Joshi
The Indian Premier League's (IPL) fourth season may be a few months away, but one gets the feeling the slam-bang Twenty20 style of play could well be in effect at the World Cup beginning tomorrow, given the sub-continent conditions.
The placid wickets in the region suit big scores, and average totals of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, should be easily surpassed. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who holds the record for the highest scores by an Australian in both, Test (380) and One Day Internationals (181 not out), cannot agree more. In fact, Hayden believes 300 will be a norm in this World Cup.
"The approach towards a 50-over game has changed a lot since the advent of T20 cricket. The introduction of Powerplays in the one-day format has made it all the more exciting.
"For sure, aggressive cricket will be played (at the World Cup). Teams will look to score at least 300 runs," Hayden told MiD DAY during an award function recently.
"There would be some days in the sun when batsman will explode. Guys like Chris Gayle, who recently struck 90-something in 30-odd balls in a Big Bash T20 match.
"So, if you have an innings like that, you can well see 350 plus scores being made too," he added.
