Laws of cricket to go metric (01 April 1999)

01 April 1999

Laws of cricket to go metric

CricInfo

In a bid to unite the varying measurement systems of the Test-playing nations, the game of cricket will be metricated starting from April 1999.

Some changes will be non-controversial - the speed guns in use at a number of venues will now be universally calibrated in kilometres per hour, thereby allowing more sensible comparison of bowlers' speeds from venue to venue.

The current laws provide for a ball that masses around 160 g (some variation is allowed) with a circumference around 22.5 cm, so these will remain unchanged. However, the plans are to make the pitch 20 m long, rather than 22 yards (currently 20.1168 m). It is intended to compensate for this by changing the no-ball law such that instead of some part of the bowler's foot being behind the line, all his or her foot must be. With the average bowler wearing size nines, this will in fact place the advantage with the batsmen by about 20 cm. Quick singles will also be that little bit easier, hopefully encouraging more exciting cricket in time for the 1999 World Cup.

Original proposals by India to make the pitch 22 m long, and shift the balance away from domination by sides who can produce genuine pace bowlers, were seriously considered, but rejected when it was realised that it was impossible to produce such a pitch at Lords without completely relaying the entire square, which would not be possible in time for the World Cup final.