Among the tweaks made to the playing conditions for this Australian summer's Big Bash League (BBL), Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann feels the 'X-Factor' substitution ploy will definitely gain in popularity among the masses and teams taking part in the competition.
The 'X-Factor' reminds Lehmann of the 'Supersub' that the ICC used to rejuvenate the dwindling interest in ODIs in the previous decade. But the former Australia batsman said it's bound to be more successful because of "immediate" impact on the proceedings.
BBL sides can now substitute a 12th or 13th man on their team sheet to bat or bowl post the 10-over mark of an innings, provided that this player hasn't bowled or batted for no more than an over already. This is one of the three innovations announced by Cricket Australia (CA) for BBL 10, with the other two being 'Power Surge' and 'Bash Boost'.
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"I think this one [will be more] successful because it is an immediate impact on the game and it can allow you to bring the games closer together I would think," ESPNcricinfo quoted Lehmann as saying.
"That's just me and my personal opinion. Instead of getting bowled out for 110-120, you should with the extra batter be able to make a decent score, 140 or 150, if you're in trouble. The same with bowling, you get an extra bowling option if you've made a lot of runs. In essence, I think it will make the games closer."
"Fifteen years ago, I think we just ended up using an allrounder who could do a bit of both. I think it gives you a bit more flexibility," he added.
While counting the positives out of the change, Lehmann realises what the downside of it will be. He said it'll be challenging telling any player originally part of the XI that he is being subbed out by someone else.
"Pre-heart attack I would have blown up (if he was a player), post-heart attack I would be pretty relaxed. It's going to be tough on the player," Lehmann said.
"For me, I would have found that quite frustrating because you're expecting to play in front of a big crowd, hopefully, and you'd want to showcase your skills."
"So that's going to be really hard on the player. That's the hardest one, being subbed out. So we'll have to work through that," he added.
(Inputs from ANI)
