Cricket Australia has introduced three new rules in its upcoming edition of Big Bash League (BBL) in 2020-21. There will be 'Power Surge', 'X-factor Player', and 'Bash Boost' in the BBL which starts December 10.
New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham has questioned the 'X-factor Player' rule. In this rule, either the 12th or 13th player on the team sheet, can come into the game at the 10th over of the first innings and replace any player who is yet to bat or bowled no more than one over.
Neesham feels how good an X-factor player could be if he's not even good enough to make into the playing XI. "How much “X-factor” could a player possibly have if he’s not good enough to make your starting 11?", he tweeted.
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Talking about the other two rules, the 'Bash Boost' is a bonus point which will be given midway through the second innings. The side that is chasing down the target will be awarded the bonus point, "if they're above the equivalent 10-over score of their opposition".
However, if they're trailing, the fielding side will receive the point. Now even a losing team can get a point if they succeed in Bash Boost.
The 'Power Surge' will consist of a two-over period where the fielding side is allowed only two fielders outside the inner ring. It can be used after 11th over by batting side. The mandatory six-over powerplay in the starting of the innings has been reduced to four overs.